Dvar Torah – Life is a journey.

There are no coincidences. Just as Israel is in the news, Israel is also in this week’s Torah portion. As protesters march and talk about Jews as being colonizers, we read this week’s portion and are reminded just how wrong they are. Parshat Lech Lecha talks about Abraham entering and settling the land of Canaan. This occurred 3,761 years ago, a full 2,348 before the establishment of Islam. So, don’t be swayed by the decibels in social media. The Jewish people have lived in Israel for 3,296 years. We are indigenous not colonizers.

The portion also reminds me about everything that is going on with Israel today. Over 120,000 Israelis are displaced, sheltering from missiles and violent neighbors. Just as G-d told Abraham to leave without telling him a destination, our Israeli brothers took the clothes on their backs and journeyed to places unknown. 800 families from the South and the North are being hosted by our partner region in Hadera – Eiron and 4 Israeli families made it all the way to Greensboro North Carolina. Some, with nothing but backpacks. The JFS has been busy assisting their relocation needs. 

What is the significance of a journey?

In this week's portion, G-d tells Abraham it is time to get moving. He is to leave his land and travel for an undetermined time to an undetermined place.

Eventually, we find out that Abraham is to travel to the land of Israel. If so, why didn't G-d just come out and say so? Because, just as in life, the journey is often more important than the destination. 

A journey is about being open to change, cognizant of one's surroundings, and concentrating on the moment. Don't stress about where you are going. Just like Abraham, you probably won't find out til you get there. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

R. Eli Sneiderman