November 9, 2024 ·
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshat Lech Lecha begins with Avram (Avraham) and his journey of faith. Hashem commands Avraham, Lech Lecha, “Go forth” from his homeland, leaving behind everything he knows and is familiar with, to travel to an unknown land. Hashem promises Avraham that He will make him into a great nation and that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. Even though Avraham doesn’t know where he’s going, he trusts Hashem completely and sets off with his wife, Sarai (Sarah), and nephew, Lot.
As Avraham travels, he faces many challenges. When he reaches Canaan, a famine strikes, and he goes to Egypt for food. Avram is afraid so he tells Pharaoh that
ONE BIG IDEA
During the Brit Bein Habitarim, Hashem made a promise to Avraham that is just as relevant today as it was back then: Jewish survival. Hashem assured Avraham that Jewishpeople would always survive. During the most difficult hardships and even while living in a foreign land, the Jewish people would not be destroyed. It has been more than 3,800 years since Avraham was born, and long after the kingdoms of Egypt, Rome, and Greece are no longer, but we’re still here! The Jewish people are thriving, flourishing and have even returned to live in Israel.
Sarai is his sister to protect her, but Pharaoh finds out and ends up sending them away with riches. Later, back in Canaan, Avraham and Lot’s shepherds start arguing over grazing land. To keep the peace, Avraham lets Lot choose first where he would like to go, showing his generosity and love for peace.
Hashem then makes a special promise to Avraham, called the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant of the Pieces). Hashem tells Avraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the earth. Hashem also says that they will inherit the land of Canaan, (Israel). However, He also warns that they will face hardships and be strangers in a foreign land before coming back to inherit the land.
Sarai is unable to have children so she gives Avram her servant named Hagar as a wife. Together they have a child named Yishmael. Hashem changes Avram’s name to Avraham and Sarai to Sarah.
At the end of the Parsha, Hashem gives Avraham the mitzvah of Brit Milah (circumcision) as a sign of the covenant between them. This is a special promise that Avraham’s children will keep forever, marking them as God’s people.
Candle-lighting: 4:25pm Havdalah: 5:21pm allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot………………………….. 1 (1 Do)
Lines in the Torah ..............208 (23rd most)
Pesukim .............................126 (13th most)
Words ................................1686 (18th most)
Letters................................6336 (19th most)
Year(s)................................2023-2047
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
Many stories in the Torah involve shepherds. Today, Israel is a world leader in the dairy (cow) industry. Did you know that:
• In 1900, Israel had 1,000 cows. Today, they have around 115,000.
• Israel produces the second most milk per cow in the world.
• Solato is an Israeli company that created a machine that makes gelato from pods (like for coffee).
• An Israeli company, Paulee CleanTech, is a world leader in turning animal waste into fertilizer for farming.
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
Went to shul
Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
Wore Shabbat clothing
Helped prepare our home for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. What were Avraham and Sarah’s original names?
2. True or False: Israel’s cows don’t produce much milk.
3. Fill in the blanks: Israel has survived, but the ancient civilizations of _______, _________ and ________ haven’t.
4. How does Avraham keep peace between himself and Lot?
5. How many Mitzvot are in this parsha?