Parshah Focus

Abram’s Family, Abram’s Birth, Nimrod’s Attempt on Abram’s Life, Young Abram Recognizes G-d, Abram Destroys the Idols, In Nimrod’s Hands, The Miracle in the Furnace, G-d Commands and Promise to Abram, Abram’s Obedience

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.

What does the word "Hebrew" mean? And how did that become the name of the first Jews?

Abraham's early life, marked by faith and defiance of idolatry, saw him survive Nimrod's furnace, receive G‑d's covenant, and settle in Canaan at the age of 75.

Nimrod, a mighty king, feared a rival would arise. When a star signaled the birth of a potential challenger, he ordered all newborn boys killed, including Abraham.

Abraham and Sarah were kind, wise, and generous, teaching others about G‑d. They welcomed visitors, provided shelter, and lived with humility and compassion.

Abram Goes To Egypt, The Strife of the Herdsmen, Abram and Lot Separate, Lot a Prisoner of War, The Rescue

Hagar, Abraham's second wife and Ishmael's mother, showed faith and humility. She became a revered figure, with her descendants forming mighty nations.

Abraham, guided by G‑d, rescued Lot from mighty kings, credited G‑d for victory, and inspired faith and kindness in all he met.

Beer-Sheba, a lush oasis in the desert, was home to Abraham and Sarah, who welcomed visitors with kindness, teaching them about G‑d and offering shelter.

Question and answers on events in the Parshah, complete with the source verses, so you can see the question inside the text. For Shabbat table discussion

Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, yet it was Isaac who was chosen to carry on Abraham’s legacy. Why?

The Covenant of Parts, one of the most important events in Jewish history, in which G-d told Abraham about the destiny of his descendants

Abraham, the first of the Three Patriarchs, was chosen by G-d to be the progenitor of the Jewish people.

Torah does not tell us what the tests actually were. There are actually a number of schools of thought about this. Here are some.

Melchizedek, identified as Shem, blessed Abraham but lost the priesthood to his descendants for prioritizing Abraham’s blessing over G‑d's.