Liberal Judaism - Written Word - Thought for the Week

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The early stories of Genesis paint a picture of the origins and development of humankind with very broad brush strokes. This week’s portion becomes much more specific, however: the general becomes more specific and the Torah from now on focuses on the development of the Israelite people. This story starts with Abraham, (known at this stage of the story as Avram) who is following God’s instruction to his home at the beginning of this parashah. The six chapters that follow take the patriarch from his home in Ur to Canaan, down to Egypt and back and eventually to Hebron, where he and his family eventually settle.

If you take the time to read through the entirety of this parasha, there are some wonderfully famous passages and others that are completely obscure and little known. Being Liberal Jews, we have tended to ignore those things that are outside of our vision. Occasionally, something takes our interest through a fleeting connection and then it recedes again and our memory returns to the better known, the passages that contain the eloquent phrases.

In Lech L’cha, we are introduced to visions of God, different names for God, night scenes and practical concerns that related to shepherds. I read this portion having just received an e mail notice of a new exhibition by an Israeli artist that Tammy and I had bought a piece of work from. It’s simplicity says so much to me and continues to confound the thoughts of those who see it on a regular basis – maybe like a parasha of the Torah. It has new meaning every time I look at it.

Our good friend – Gavriel - who owns the gallery that displays, the artist – Yoav ben Dov – wrote of the latest exhibition:

“Yoav Ben-Dov's new show deals with the image of the Shepherd. The Shepherd is a cultural mythological persona, which leads the herd – whatever kind of herd it may be – using his Shepherd’s cane, the stars above and the moon. These three iconographic components unite into an artistic whole, addressing questions of leadership, religion and state.”

This week, this year, lech l’cha, go out or into yourself (only two of the many translations of the phrase that lends its name to the parasha). Read the portion and be amazed at the imagery. See the works and be amazed at the words.

See Yoav ben Doav’s works at www.engel-art.co.il or visit Gavriel at 26 Rehov Gordon, TA or Rehov Shlomzion Hamalka or Hutzot Hayotzer, Jeru (and hopefully one day at the Etz Chayim Gallery, Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue!)

Parashat Lech L'cha (Genesis 12:1 - 17:27)

by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein