My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Lech Lecha
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on October 18, 2007 | Tags: Lech Lecha
There’s much talk of names in Parshah Lech Lecha, with Abram and Sarai becoming Abraham and Sarah, and God being identified by different names as well. Perhaps lost in the shuffle is the identification of “Abram the Hebrew” (“Avram ha’Ivri”) in Gen. 14:13. What does it mean? The ancient Israelites refer to themselves as Hebrews (Ivrim) when dealing with foreigners, and some relate it to references to a group known as “Hapiru” in ancient texts. The rabbis have different notions. Some suggest it means a descendent of Eber, a grandson of Noah. Others relate it to the Hebrew word “eiver” meaning “beyond.” Even there, opinions differ. Some think it’s physical (the people from beyond the Euphrates) while others think it’s philosophical (Abram only worships one God while most people remain pagans). We’re invited to consider all these meanings – and others if you have them – as we follow the story of the founder of our people.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
