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Lech L'cha (2026)

Shabbat Lech L’cha

Dvar Torah - Standing for Something
In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham answers God’s call to journey to the Land of Canaan. Shortly after arriving, the Torah tells us that Abraham "called out in God’s name."

What does it mean to "call out in God’s name"?

The classic commentator Nachmanides explains simply that Abraham made God known to the world. He arrived in a place devoid of faith and introduced the radical idea of monotheism, a belief that would transform human history.

But how did Abraham do this in practice?

Looking at his life, we see a man defined by action. He opened his tent to strangers, rescued captives, and famously argued with God to save the people of Sodom.

Abraham stood for something. The way he lived exuded a clear moral purpose, one that people instantly recognized and respected. His call was not just literal, it was a way a of life.

As Abraham’s descendants, we are called to do the same. Being Jewish means standing for something. It means living by our values through thick and thin - caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice, and striving to live as Menches with the highest integrity.

Of course, life brings setbacks. Right after reaching Canaan, Abraham faces a famine and is forced to flee to Egypt, where he endures deep personal hardship. Yet, as soon as he is able to return, he goes straight back to the very place he started and calls out in God’s name once more.

The call Abraham sent out thousands of years ago hasn’t faded. It’s continued on through the generations that followed and it’s up to us to ensure it keeps on ringing strong.

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 17:18/18:34
Tel-Aviv 17:38/18:36
Paris 18:28/19:32
London 17:33/18:39
NYC 17:46/18:44
Phoenix 17:27/18:22
Buenos Aires 18:57/19:55
More Shabbat times here

Shabbat Shalom!



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