Weekly Story for Lech-Lecha: Beyond the Bio

When the Torah introduces us to a new person, it usually starts with the background. However, with Avraham we get no bio, no background. Just right off the start: Lech Lecha. This teaches us what makes a Jew a Jew. Not his learning; not his observance; not his achievements. What makes a Jew Jewish is the fact that G-d told Abraham, “Go to yourself, from your land…” It is the fact that G-d chose his/her soul to be in a unique covenant and relationship with Him. This week’s story reminds us of this idea that a Jew is a Jew is a Jew.