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Parashah Lech-Lecha

The one with the journey of Abraham and Sarah.

Lech-Lecha begins with Abram, a man of immense faith, receiving a life-altering call to leave his homeland. Together with his loyal wife, Sarai, they say farewell to Haran and journey toward the land of Canaan.

As they travel to unfamiliar territories, they encounter challenges: A crippling famine forces them to take a detour into Egypt. There, Sarai’s stunning beauty catches the eye of the Pharaoh, leading to a tense encounter, but they manage to leave with riches.

Back in Canaan, a conflict arises between Abram’s herdsmen and those of his nephew, Lot. The land simply isn’t vast enough to support both their growing clans. In a move of generosity, Abram lets Lot choose his preferred region, only to watch him pick the fertile plains of Sodom.

Soon after, Abram finds himself caught in the crossfire of a massive regional war. He leads a daring nighttime raid to rescue a captured Lot, proving his bravery and earning respect from kings.

Yet, amidst these adventures, Abram and Sarah face personal trials. The weight of childlessness hangs heavy. In the hope of securing a legacy, Sarai offers her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram. Abram and Hagar become the parents of Ishmael, but this ignites tensions that last through the ages.

One of the most stirring moments unfolds under a canopy of stars. In a breathtaking vision, Abram is told his descendants will be as many as the stars in the night sky! An agreement is made, altering Abram and Sarai’s identities forever as Abraham and Sarah.

Lech-Lecha is a masterful weave of personal trials, grand visions, political intrigue, and unwavering faith. It paints the journey of a couple who, amid twists and turns, lay the foundations for a legacy that spans millennia. Every chapter shows resilience, destiny, and the courage to pursue a vision against all odds.

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Teen Takeaways from Parashah Lech-Lecha

  1. Embracing new adventures: Just like how Abraham was called to leave his home and start a new journey, it’s important for us to be open to new challenges and opportunities in life, even if they seem scary at first. Teenagers often are insecure, lacking self-confidence. Sometimes taking that first frightening step helps us know that we can do it step by step.
  2. Faith and trust: Abraham’s trust in God, even when things were uncertain, teaches us about having faith and trust, especially during times when life feels unpredictable. The faith and trust is not always out “there,” but can be found within our own hearts and minds.
  3. Resolving conflicts: The story of Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen teaches us about finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, which can be helpful in maintaining good relationships with friends and family.
  4. Family protection: Abraham’s determination to rescue Lot shows us that family is worth protecting, and we should be there for our family members when they need us.
  5. Facing challenges: Abraham’s bravery when he rescued Lot and defeated the kings is a lesson in facing challenges headon with courage and resourcefulness.
  6. Ethical values: Abraham’s refusal to take rewards or spoils from the kings reminds us about the importance of sticking to our ethical values and not taking advantage of others.
  7. Standing up for what’s right: Abraham’s plea for the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in difficult situations.
  8. Personal growth: Abraham’s name change from Abram to Abraham symbolizes personal growth and transformation. It’s a reminder that we can change and become better versions of ourselves. Jewish tradition teaches that we have three names — the one our parents give us when we are born, the one our friends call us as they get to know us, and the one we achieve on our own. Which do you think is the most important?

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Summary

These lessons from Parashah Lech-Lecha can guide you as you navigate new experiences, build relationships, and make important decisions during your teenage years. They highlight the values of faith, kindness, integrity, and the courage to embrace change and challenges.

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