Another day on a long journey.

Lech Lecha teaches us a great deal about our religion, the concept of monotheism, ourselves in regards to our community and the land which the Torah tells us we would one day inherit. The Torah tells us to be a blessing to the world, for many of us, we have been blessed in our lives with a great deal and so we learn that not only are we supposed to be a blessing, but to be a blessing to others as well.

My friend, colleague and rabbinical school roommate – Rabbi Josh Rabin wrote the following:

“I am a native-born United States citizen. I will be fine.
I never grew up wondering if a man could be elected president. I will be fine.
I have never been stopped by the police. I will be fine.
I will never need an abortion. I will be fine.
I have never been mistreated, bullied or discriminated against because of my sexual orientation or gender identity. I will be fine.
I can vote without anyone questioning whether or not I have the inalienable right to do it. I will be fine.
I make enough money to feed my family. I will be fine.
I live in a major metropolitan area that has all of the governmental resources I need, and no shortage of people who want to live and work here for exorbitant prices. I will be fine.
I can afford to pay for private health insurance. I will be fine.
I never felt afraid of what others citizens think of me. I will be fine.

The scariest part is that I will be fine. But I try not to vote-based on self-interest alone, and it’s everyone else that I’m worried for…”

We read Lech Lecha this week and we must ask ourselves “how will be blessing to others, in the days, weeks, months and years ahead”.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Steven