Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Lekh Lekha/0/en

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Lekh Lekha

Did the Avot Keep the Mitzvot?

This issue has been debated throughout the ages. On one hand, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs lived centuries before the Torah was given and many of its laws might have been meaningless to them.  On the other hand, it seems paradoxical to conceive of the founders of a religion not observing even its most basic commandments. 

• What other factors might lead one to suggest that the Avot did in fact observe at least some of the commandments?
• What evidence might you bring from Torah to support each position?
• With which side of the debate do you agree; why?  See Avot and Mitzvot – Was Avraham the First Jew?

Criticizing our Avot

To what extent should we view our ancestors as perfect role models worthy of emulation, reinterpreting any stories that cast shadows on their reputations, and when is it acceptable to criticize their actions and suggest that they, too, had human flaws?  Use the stories of Avraham Endangering Sarai in Egypt and Sarah's Treatment of Hagar as test cases to explore the question.

• Do you think Avraham displayed a lack of belief in leaving the land so recently promised to him by Hashem, or was that a logical decision in face of famine? How could Avraham try to save his life at the expense of Sarah's honor? Compare RambanBereshit 12:10-13About R. Moshe b. Nachman and Ralbag.
• After Hagar conceives, leading her to "belittle" Sarah, Sarah reacts by "afflicting" Hagar ("וַתְּעַנֶּהָ שָׂרַי") to the extent that the pregnant Hagar flees, preferring an unknown fate in the wilderness to Sarah's rebuke. Is Sarah's response justified or is it out or proportion to the crime? Compare R. SaadiaCommentary Bereshit 16:5-9About R. Saadia Gaon, RadakBereshit 16:6About R. David Kimchi and RambanBereshit 16:6-9About R. Moshe b. Nachman.

Like Father, Like Son?

Often readers picture Avraham as an active trailblazer and Yitzchak as but a passive shadow, whose main contribution is being a link in the chain. Is this an accurate depiction?

• What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each character?
• What are the main points of similarity and difference between the two?
• Perhaps surprisingly, the stories of father and son are actually quite similar, and exploring the parallels helps a reader appreciate both the overlap between and the uniqueness of each leader.  See Avraham and Yitzchak for more.

Trials and Tribulations

Already from the beginning of the Avraham narratives in Parashat Lekh Lekha it is clear that Avraham's life was filled with ordeals. In fact, Mishna Avot 5:3 speaks of ten trials through which Avraham was tested, noting that he withstood all of them. The Mishna, though, does not elaborate as to what those trials were or why they were necessary. 

• Which ten events in Avraham's life would you include in a list of "Avraham's ten trials"? What made you choose the events you did and skip others?  How would you define a trial? Compare your list with that of Rambam Commentary on the Mishna Avot 5:3About R. Moshe b. Maimonor R. Ovadiah of BartenuraAvot 5:3About R. Ovadyah MiBartenura.
• Why does Hashem bring such trials upon Avraham? See Abarbanel Nachalat Avot Mishna Avot 5:3About R. Yitzchak Abarbanelin his commentary on the Mishna,
• For discussion and guided learning, see the interactive module, Avraham's Ten Trials.

More...

For more, see: Parashat Lekh Lekha Topics.