Concepts Covered: Migration, Displacement, Assistance
Genesis 12:1–17:27
Authors: MA Klodeta Cane, Dr. Joyce Long
Abram (later Abraham) is the key figure in this narrative. He receives a personal invitation from G-d to leave his homeland and travel with his family to an area he’s never seen, heard of, or imagined. G-d’s promise to identify the desired destination and bless Abram’s obedience will be his primary guide on this challenging journey into the unknown. With unwavering faith, Abram responds affirmatively to G-d’s call and even builds altars to worship him as he travels.
Abraham's life is an example for each of us on how to respond to major challenges and embrace change. How do we respond to unusual circumstances that require dramatic changes, moving or transformation? Abram received a divine invitation but what if my migration is forced by a threatening political or financial situation?
Regardless of the reason, Abraham's story sets an example for each of us in a broader human experience. Have you ever left everything behind and abandoned your comfort zone to follow an unknown path to your purpose? What are the obstacles you are willing to overcome, the challenges you are ready to tolerate, the lessons you will embrace, the transformation you will cooperate with?
Anyone can ask him/herself, “What am I willing to sacrifice to move to an unfamiliar neighborhood, school, city or country? How can I—like Abram-- trust the move will produce good outcomes?” Will I let potentially fearful and challenging experiences shape my depths and promote a deeper companionship with G-d or complain, resist and remain in comfort zones where everything is familiar and predictably consistent?
My (Klodeta) own story has many threads of ongoing political and social tensions, instability, national tragedies, social-war and insecurities from living in a former Communist country. Eventually I left Albania to pursue economic and instructional opportunities in Germany and Israel. I had to learn to develop resilience and rise above trauma and adversity. I was inspired by others—such as holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s inspiring words--to respond in empathy when faced with hatred and actively pursue justice instead of revenge. Where do you find the strength to emerge from adversity with perseverance?
Abraham's journey is built upon the pillar of G-d’s promises. He chose to leave behind his country, his people and his father’s household. He chose to engage in a quest for G-d’s new and destined homeland after G-d spoke directly to him and kept confirming those promises at critical moments on the journey.
This parashah also illustrates where G-d provided unexpected assistance and benevolence to Abram in unexpected forms. Those encounters encouraged Abram to keep walking on his new divine path. In the same way, I received numerous surprise offers for housing as I moved to different nations. Like Abram, I also met unexpected “angels” who encouraged and reinforced hope along the way. They gave me meaningful assistance to navigate successfully through confusing bureaucratic processes. When my wallet was empty and my health was in danger, I received food provision from authorities at my school. I was able to give thanks for every intervention as a confirmation of G-d’s love and care in the midst of challenging or oppressive circumstances. This practical and divine assistance not only helped Abram make progress on his journey, but also led to his acquiring a new identity as Abraham, the father of many nations.
Relevance
Why should we care about Abram’s journey of migration? We find his experiences to be exceptionally meaningful because they transcend the boundaries of time and culture and apply to the very fabric of our human essence, growth and perseverance. They directly connect to modern life, contemporary challenges and daily triumphs in our personal lives as well as in larger national and regional contexts—whenever migration becomes necessary for G_d and family or to escape religious, cultural or political persecution.
What about your journey? What experiences do you have that can greatly encourage others who might be going through the same thing now or in the future?
Precious!