Lech Lecha: Journey to Truth
Dear friend,
Have you been watching the debates? Many political commentators have called this cycle of U.S. presidential debates the most exciting, yet contentious, in history. The air is thick with tension, as each candidate tries to sway another American mind to his side.
When each candidate is speaking, I find him so eminently believable. But then his opponent says the exact opposite, and I find my head nodding in agreement with him. Whom to trust? Don’t you wish there could be a little truth-o-meter displayed above their heads, with real-time points given to the more factual candidate? Oh, the elusive truth . . .
The Midrash tells us the prequel to Abraham’s story, which we read this week: Abraham was not satisfied with the falsehood of idolatry, and dug deeply into his mind and soul to uncover the truth of monotheism. That is the legacy of our forefather. Truth.
In a world of opposing viewpoints, elusive facts and conflicting fact-checkers, let’s recognize the value of divine truth, and actively seek to live that truth in our daily lives as taught in the Torah. Like Abraham, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo—even your own!
Moshe Rosenberg,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
G‑d did not choose Abraham. It was his inherent superiority, and the fact that he was ready to give everything up for the sake of G‑d, that compelled G‑d to choose him.
The information the Torah “neglects” to tell us regarding Abraham and Sarah’s youth teaches a lesson about our spiritual journey through life.
Who is the true spiritual leader? Is it the venerable sage who sits alone, nose buried in an ancient tome, or the fellow on the streets, who guides the perplexed and who mentors seeking souls?
Abram travels to Canaan, Sarai is taken captive by Pharaoh, and Lot settles in the evil city of Sodom. G‑d promises the Land of Israel to Abram’s descendants. Ishmael is born, Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah, and they are promised a son. Abraham circumcises himself.
The bris is a physical symbol of the relationship between G‑d and the Jewish people. It is a constant reminder of what the Jewish mission entails.
I have noticed that people place the mezuzahs on their doorposts on an angle. Is there a reason for this?
It’s always good to have a good excuse to go to bed, and now, finally, you can do it without feeling guilty.
The elevator reached the fourth floor. The doors slid open, but I was tempted to hit “lobby” and push this off for a week. I was returning home from vacation.
How is it possible to get to know a person well before the wedding? Here is some practical dating advice from the Rebbe.
Neither parent seemed to notice the presence of their young daughter in the entranceway. I was only ten at the time, but my sensitive nature detected that the room was full of their love for each other . . .
The chassidic community was in shock. Their rebbe was leaving them and moving to Israel.
For a mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light. (Proverbs 6:23)
Every mitzvah shines its particular light into our world. And there will come a time when you will see that light with your eyes.
Except the candles that are lit for Shabbat before sunset. They shine a light you can see right now.
It may seem an ordinary li...
