Lech Lecha
In middle of this week’s Parsha, in Chapter 13, we learn of a disagreement between Abraham’s shepherds and those of his nephew, Lot.
Immediately thereafter, Abraham and Lot have the following conversation; ”And Abram said to Lot,‘Please let there be no quarrel between me and between you and between my herdsmen and between your herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not all the land before you? Please part from me; if [you go] left, I will go right, and if [you go] right, I will go left.”
The narrative then continues describing Lot’s new residence of choice, “And Lot raised his eyes, and he saw the entire plain of the Jordan, that it was entirely watered; before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah… And Lot chose for himself the entire plain of the Jordan…” Bereishit (13:7-11)
Rabbi Avraham Sabba, author of the Tzror Hamor, comes to tell us that there is an important lesson to be learned in the words of Lot. “Vayivchar lo Lot” “And Lot chose for himself,” the word “Lo” “for himself” seems to be unnecessary, the verse could have simply stated “And Lot chose.” Why the extra word “Lo?” If not for “himself” who was Lot choosing for?
Rabbi Sabba explains, that the Torah here is underscoring the power and importance of free will, this decision Lot made, to move Sodom would have terrible consequences; this was Lot’s decision, and his alone. By stressing the word “for himself”, the Torah is illustrating to us the responsibility and potential that lies within everything we choose to do.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, in a treatise on free choice (printed in Likutei Sichot volume 5,) concludes with a powerful message. Although a person may find himself in a predicament of his own doing, having made the fateful choices that brought to him to a difficult situation, one has to remember that “he that is banished be not cast from Him.” (Shmuel II 14:14) G‑d is always waiting for us to correct our mistakes.
Although often our challenges are of our own making, we need to follow the words of the Rambam; (Mishne Torah Hilchot Teshuve Chapter 5 Halacha 2) to “cry and mourn for his sins and for what he has done to his soul, the evil consequences, he brought upon it,” to recognize the error in the choices we have made.
Still in every predicament and situation, there is opportunity to capitalize and grow. The Talmud tells us how when faced with challenges, one should realize how the power of Teshuva, returning to G‑d. In fact the power of Teshuva is so great, that we can return and be stronger than ever before as the Talmud (Bavli Yuma 86b) tells us, “repentance is so great that premeditated sins are accounted as though they were merits.”
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.