שַׁבַּת לֶךְ־לְךָ : Shabbat Lech Lecha

Triennial Torah Reading
Year 2, Genesis 14:1 to 16:16

This Shabbat, 13 Cheshvan 5787 (October 24, 2026), our community gathers for Parashat Lech Lecha. The Torah turns from the broad canvas of universal history to the personal trials, covenantal commitments, and spiritual footsteps of Avraham and Sarah.

The Year 2 portion begins with the dramatic account of the War of the Four Kings against the Five Kings, the rescue of Lot, and Avram's refusal to take even a shoe strap from the King of Sodom. It continues with the transformative Covenant Between the Pieces (בְּרִית בֵּין הַבְּתָרִים, Brit Bein HaBetarim), where Adonai promises descendants as numerous as the stars, and concludes with the personal struggles of Sarai and Hagar, culminating in an angelic encounter by a spring of water in the desert.

Below, we explore the core themes of this sacred Shabbat through three unique lenses.

Looking Toward the Stars: The Courage to Hope

In the opening verses of chapter 15, Adonai brings Avram outside into the night sky, commanding him: "Look toward heaven, and count the stars, if you are able to count them; and He said to him: So shall your seed be" (Genesis 15:5).

As we learn from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Avram's response to this moment defines the essence of Jewish faith. In a world bound by fatalism and immediate physical limitations, Adonai invites Avram to lift his eyes upward, shifting his horizon from despair to promise. Faith is not certainty or the complete absence of vulnerability; it is the moral courage to see beyond current constraints and remain committed to building a brighter tomorrow. When we raise our eyes above temporary obstacles, we align ourselves with the eternal divine vision for our lives and our people.

The Darkness of the Covenant: Forged Through Commitment

During the Covenant Between the Pieces, a dramatic scene unfolds: "And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Avram; and, lo, a dread, even a great darkness, fell upon him" (Genesis 15:12).

As we learn from Rabbi Adin Even Israel Steinsaltz, this sudden descent of darkness teaches an indispensable lesson about spiritual growth. Covenantal partnership with Adonai does not exempt a person from trials, doubt, or difficult seasons. The dread and darkness that enveloped Avram represent the reality that genuine transformation and historical endurance are forged through perseverance during times of uncertainty. True depth is achieved when we hold fast to our core values, knowing that divine presence accompanies us through life's shadows just as closely as in times of open light.

Where Are You Going: Clarity in the Wilderness

Fleeing from the tension in Avram's camp, Hagar finds herself isolated in the parched wilderness. There, an angel of Adonai calls out to her: "Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" (Genesis 16:8).

As we learn from Sivan Rahav Meir, the angel's gentle question speaks directly to anyone experiencing disorientation or stress. In moments of panic or conflict, our instinctive reaction is often simply to run away from discomfort without knowing where we are heading. The angel asks Hagar to pause, recognize her identity, and reflect on her ultimate destination. Jewish wisdom reminds us that even when life forces us into unfamiliar territory, taking an honest pause enables us to regain clarity, reclaim our dignity, and choose a constructive path forward.

Mitzvot, Halakhot, and Customs Drawn from the Parashah

The Year 2 portion provides foundational precedents for several enduring Jewish laws, ethical standards, and liturgical practices:

The standard of financial independence and integrity is drawn from Avram's resolute declaration to the King of Sodom: "I will not take a thread nor a shoe latch, nor will I take anything that is yours, lest you should say: I have made Avram rich" (Genesis 14:23). Codified by the Sages as a foundational model of business ethics, this act establishes the imperative to maintain scrupulous monetary independence, ensuring our resources and communal institutions remain free from questionable compromise.

The practice of setting aside a tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר, Ma'aser) finds an early biblical root in Avram's interaction with Malki-Tzedek, priest of G-d Most High, to whom Avram gave "a tenth of all" (Genesis 14:20). Our tradition draws upon this noble act as a precedent for dedicating a portion of our earnings to sacred communal support, educational institutions, and charitable causes.

The liturgical designation of Adonai as the "Shield of Avraham" originates in the divine reassurance opening chapter 15: "Fear not, Avram, I am your shield" (אָנֹכִי מָגֵן לָךְ, Anochi magen lach) (Genesis 15:1). From this verse, our Sages formulated the closing blessing of the first benediction of the Amidah, recited three times daily: "Blessed are You, Adonai, Shield of Avraham" (בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה, מָגֵן אַבְרָהָם).

Haftarah Reading: Isaiah 40:27 to 41:16 (Y'sha'yahu)

The Haftarah reading addresses a weary nation, reminding them of the unyielding strength of the Creator and explicitly recalling our enduring ancestry as the children of Avraham:

אַתָּה֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל עַבְדִּ֔י יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּחַרְתִּ֑יךָ זֶ֖רַע אַבְרָהָ֥ם אֹהֲבִֽי׃

"But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Avraham who loved Me." (Y'sha'yahu 41:8)

The prophet reassures the community that Adonai provides renewal to the faint and courage to those who place their trust in Him:

אַל־תִּירָא֙ כִּ֣י עִמְּךָ־אָ֔נִי אַל־תִּשְׁתָּ֖ע כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אִמַּצְתִּ֙יךָ֙ אַף־עֲזַרְתִּ֔יךָ אַף־תְּמַכְתִּ֖יךָ בִּירמִ֥ין צִדְקִֽי׃

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your G-d; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness." (Y'sha'yahu 41:10)

Questions to Contemplate

Looking up toward the stars as Avram did, what personal vision or positive hope am I being invited to embrace despite current doubts?

When feeling pulled in multiple directions this week, how can I ask myself the angel's question, "Where are you going?", to bring renewed intentionality to the interactive moments and plans of my days?

Compiled by Rav Baruch Shamash