Parashat Lekh-Lekha 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Some of us were born with a sense of direction and some of us, even with the incredible invention of a GPS, still get lost, even if they have been to the destination before. More frequently than I would want to admit, I have heard my GPS say to me – rerouting. It happens ! Sometimes we do not know where we are going and get lost. Not that Abram got lost – but in this week’s Torah reading, Parashat Lekh-Lekha, when God told him to “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you,” Abram did not know where he was headed. Abram did not get lost; just his final destination was unknown. Isn’t that true literally and figuratively for many of us? Sometimes we do not know what our destination will be; or we do not have a specific destination. Life is a journey! When you are trying to find your destination, think of Abram, our forefather, who did not know where God was leading him; or Sari, who probably had no choice in the matter, and just had to go with her husband. But as you set out on whatever journey may be going on, whether it is to the supermarket, a Sisterhood meeting, or a walk or drive with no specific destination – Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!