03 - Torah Portion: Lech Lecha לֶךְ־לְךָ ("Go Out")
Portion Summary:
In Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1–17:27), YHVH calls Abram to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. Abram journeys to Canaan, where he experiences trials, encounters with kings, and receives divine promises. This portion emphasizes covenant, faith, and obedience. It also touches on themes of identity, calling, and separation from worldly practices.
In this third reading from the Book of Genesis is named Lech Lecha, meaning "Go forth." In the first verse, YHVH speaks to Abraham, saying, "Lech Lecha from your country." this portion introduces Abraham and his pilgrimage in pursuit of YHVH's righteousness.
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OpeningPrayer:
Hebrew:
ברוךאתה אדונאי יהוה אבינו ריבון הבריאה אשרנתן לנו את תורת האמת שלך,משתילבתוכנו חיי נצח באמצעות ישוע משיחנו,ברוךאתה ה'אלוקינואדונאי מלך הבריאה.
broch ata adonai yahva avinu ribon habri'a asher natan lenu et toret ha'amet shlach, mishtil betuchnu hay nitzch be'amtza'ot yeshua mesichanu, broch ata h' elokinu adonai melech habri'a.
English:
Blessedare you Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has givenus your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life throughY'shua our Messiah, Blessed are you YHVH Eloheinu Adonai, King ofCreation.
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Torah
Genesis 12: YHVH calls Abram to leave his homeland, promising blessings, protection, and that all nations will be blessed through his lineage. Abram's journey to Canaan begins YHVH's covenant.
Genesis 15: The covenant is formalized, with YHVH promising descendants as numerous as the stars and foreshadowing the growth of Israel.
Genesis 17: Abram is renamed Abraham, circumcision is established as the covenant sign, and Sarah is promised a son, Isaac.
Exodus 12:35-38: The Israelites, like Abram, undertake a journey of faith as they leave Egypt, demonstrating YHVH's provision.
Deuteronomy 10:16: This verse calls Israel to "circumcise the foreskin of your heart," symbolizing the need for inward transformation, humility, and submission to YHVH. It reflects the deeper spiritual significance of the physical circumcision instituted with Abraham, emphasizing a heart fully devoted to YHVH.
Deuteronomy 8:2: Here, YHVH reminds Israel of their wilderness journey, where they were tested to reveal their hearts and reliance on Him. This echoes Abraham's life, where his obedience and trust in YHVH's promises—such as leaving his homeland and waiting for Isaac—exemplify reliance and faith.
Targum
Genesis 11: Expands on Abram's background, illustrating his transformation from a Chaldean heritage to faith in YHVH.
Nevi'em
Isaiah 40: This chapter offers comfort and assurance of YHVH's strength, sovereignty, and care. Verses like (Isaiah 40:31), which promises renewed strength to those who wait on YHVH, reflect the same assurance Abraham received when stepping into the unknown, relying on YHVH's guidance and provision.
Isaiah 41:10: YHVH declares His faithfulness, telling Israel not to fear because He will uphold and help them (Isaiah 41:10). This mirrors the promises given to Abraham, assuring him of protection, blessings, and a future for his descendants as he journeyed in faith.
Ezekiel 16:49-50: Sodom's sins are contrasted with Abraham's righteous path, emphasizing the legacy of his descendants.
Daniel 8:9-10: Prophecy of future empires affecting Abraham's lineage, highlighting the broad impact of YHVH's covenant.
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