The third section of the Book of Genesis begins the chronicle of Abraham, who was selected by G‑d to found the Jewish people, through whom the process of moral degeneration that humanity had been locked into since their expulsion from the Garden of Eden would be reversed. The name of this section (Lech Lecha) is taken from G‑d’s first words to Abraham: “Go . . . , ” in which He told him to leave his native Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and settle in the Promised Land. Throughout his journeys, Abraham challenged paganism, spreading awareness of all reality’s source and continuous dependence on the one G‑d.
ב"ה
Lech Lecha: Abraham’s Calling
Genesis 12:1–17:27
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Fourth Reading: Genesis 14:1–20
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Daily Quote
When Moses ascended to heaven, he found G-d sitting and writing "forbearing." Said Moses to G-d: "Master of the Universe! Forbearing to the righteous?" Said G-d: "Also to the wicked." Said Moses: "Let the wicked perish!" Said G-d: "See now that you will need this." When Israel sinned, G-d said to Moses: "Did you not tell Me to be forbearing only toward the righteous?" Said Moses to Him: "Did You not say to me, 'Also to the wicked'?"
–Talmud, Sanhedrin 111a
The Parshah
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