The life of the Patriarchs, which we begin today with the story of Abraham, can be looked at in various ways. One is as providing a model for our own lives. This is the Patriarchs living almost perfect lives which the Torah recorded for us to emulate. This is the general position of Rashi. The lives of our forefathers can also be seen as a precursor of what will happen to their children, both for good and bad. This is the position generally taken by Nachmanidies. A third way, sees the Patriarchs as both positive and negative role models. Like us, they were far from perfect, and we can learn from their mistakes as well as their successes. Using this model, we can notice an interesting phenomenon in the life of Abraham. Abraham, who in general seeks to get along with everyone, seems to constantly defer dealing head on with problems. Whether it is twice pretending that Sarah is his sister, separating from his nephew, Lot, to avoid argument, or procrastinating concerning the relationship between Sarah and Hagar; Abraham prefers to follow the path of least resistance. This can be seen as an admirable trait, and indeed Abraham’s ability to get on with everyone causes him to be titled by G-d Himself , ‘My friend’. Yet the problem is, that this policy doesn’t work. Abraham is always forced, in the end, to confront the problem he sought to avoid head on; and often in less advantageous circumstances. His designation of Sarah as his sister, only puts both of them in greater danger when it is eventually discovered. Having thought he had got rid of his troublesome nephew, he twice has to intervene to rescue him. And his acceptance with out a murmur of the troubled relationship between Sarah and Hagar, just necessitates the later separation of their children, with dire consequences for the relationship between their descendants. Using the model of seeing the lives of the Patriarchs as a lesson in mistakes as well as triumphs, we can learn that not confronting interpersonal problems does not make them go away; it normally makes them worse. Whether we are talking about disputes between relatives, within a community or between nations and religions, they need to be confronted head on, not avoided in the name of a false peace. That is the true lesson of Abraham.
ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS
Rishon |
Abram is told by G-d to leave his parents and go to Canaan. As a consequence of famine he decides to go to Egypt where he says Sarai is his sister. |
Sheni |
Sarai is taken by Pharaoh but is released after some plagues. Abram becomes rich from the encounter. |
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Shelishi |
Lot leaves for Sodom after an argument. G-d promises Abram the Land. |
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Revi’i |
Lot is captured in a regional war and Abram rescues him. |
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Chamishi |
G-d promises Abram many descendants. |
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Shishi |
‘The covenant of the pieces’ is made. Abram marries Hagar and has Ishmael. G-d changes his name to abraham and promises him a son from Sarai. |
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Shevi’i |
Sarai becomes Sarah and G-d instructs Abraham to circumcise everyone which he does. |
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Haftorah |
Isaiah: 40;27-41;16: G-d will redeem Israel for the sake of Abraham. |
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