Good Evening,
This week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, introduces us to Abraham, a figure who profoundly shaped the foundations of faith for billions. God promises him that he will be the "father of many nations," and from that moment, Abraham begins a journey that stretches across generations and continents. Through his descendants from multiple families Abraham's legacy spread far and wide. Whether through Isaac- the son of our matriarch Sarah, Ishmael- the son of Hagar, or the children he later fathered with Keturah his spouse for the last years of his life. Today, we recognize that his lineage is so vast and dispersed that it extends to all corners of the world, making Abraham not just a patriarch of one people, but a universal ancestor.
As we look at our modern world, this truth feels especially relevant. While historical and genealogical records may not trace every individual back to Abraham in an academic sense, his influence and the unity he symbolizes remain powerful. For Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Abraham represents a shared spiritual ancestry, with each tradition viewing him as a model of devotion and moral strength. And beyond these groups, the themes of faith, hospitality, and resilience that he embodied speak to humanity’s broader values. If Abraham is indeed a father to all, as we read in Lech Lecha, then each person we meet could be, in some sense, a brother or sister. This realization challenges us to see others not as strangers but as kin, deserving of respect and compassion.
This shared heritage calls us to something greater: peace. Just as a family is strengthened by understanding and weakened by division, so too is humanity. The descendants of Abraham have become vast and varied, often differing in language, culture, and beliefs. Yet these differences do not overshadow the truth of our connection. If we accept that we are bound by a common ancestor, we are compelled to seek harmony, respect, and peace in our interactions with others. Every nation, every community, and every individual may reflect part of that shared ancestry, making it our duty to act as Abraham might—with humility, hospitality, and kindness.
In this spirit, let us strive to be like Abraham, welcoming each other and recognizing the spark of kinship within every soul. As we read Lech Lecha, may it inspire us to go beyond our familiar circles, embracing those who are different, and treating each person as family. Let us honor our shared lineage by living peacefully, treating others with dignity, and walking humbly with God, as Abraham did. May this understanding lead us to build a world where peace and respect are as common as the stars in the sky, uncountable yet present for all to see.
Shabbat Shalom.
