By: Katherine Podolak
Young Adult Division (YAD) Manager
In this week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, we find Abram (Abraham), his wife Sarai (Sarah), and nephew Lot traveling to the land of Canaan after God tells Abram, “‘ Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make our name great, And you shall be a blessing.’” (Genesis 12:1-2) Here, we see Abram leaning into faith as he leads his family into the land of Canaan. We often see this theme arise throughout the Torah, where, despite initial feelings or emotions, those communicated to via God will faithfully follow the instructions they are given. Later on in this portion, we see this idea again when God communicates with Abram regarding Sarai’s inability to conceive a child: “‘Fear not, Abram, I am a shield to you: Your reward shall be very great,’” then just a bit later, Isaac is born. (Genesis 15:1)
Most who know the term “Lech Lecha” akin it to the English translation of “Go Forth.” There is, however, another English interpretation of this phrase, “Go to Yourself,” suggesting a meaning of self-discovery and internal reflection focusing on growth and finding one’s own purpose. If we take this alternative translation and look again at the first line mentioned above, it changes the focus to be on that of Abram internally and his own self-journey and discovery rather than externally on his physical journey to Canaan. We even see this notion of self-discovery in relation to Abram’s own name, “‘And you shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I make you the father of a multitude of nations.’” (Genesis 17:5)
I have always found it interesting how there can be multiple interpretations of the language used within the Torah regarding its meaning and how it translates to English. Some even spend their entire lives interpreting the language and meanings behind not only each word in the Torah, but sometimes each individual letter. I was even given this opportunity to study at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem as part of the Nachshon Fellowship back in 2019, and I truly do believe it opened my eyes to not only define my own meanings of Judaism and the world, but meanings of myself.
With Judaism being a religion embedded with this idea of interpretation and questioning, while contrastingly requesting following direction blindly, it begs the question: in order to have our own journey of self-discovery as Abraham does, do we too sometimes must simply “have faith” and trust that things will work out? Are we meant to “Go Forth,” or to “Go to Yourself,” or should it be some combination of the two? I suppose that’s the beauty of Judaism, though, there isn’t one path or one answer, it’s up to you on how you want to “Lech Lecha.”
Please email Katherine at kpodolak@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.