Lech Lecha: Faith As Dialogue

One of the central values in any religion is faith. Personally, I don't think faith should be limited to religion, because you really do need a great deal of faith regarding science, politics, or economics, but not everyone would agree with me on that. Religion, however, is constantly forcing us to practice, question, and wrestle with our faith.

In our Torah portion this week, we see one of the quintessential models in this regard, our patriarch Abraham. Now you might say that Abraham is our quintessential believer because when God tells him to "Go forth" he does it. And later on, at 100 years of age, he will circumcise himself (yikes!) at God's command. And even later on, he will nearly sacrifice his son, Isaac, because God instructs him to do so. Whether we agree with his all of his actions, he certainly is a man of faith!

Well, I'm not so sure. I don't mean to question Abraham's willingness to follow God, but I DO question the way we view Abraham. It comes down to a basic question, what do we look for in a role model? Do we want a flawless person, nearly God-like in their perfection and unquestionable morals? Or do we want somehow who struggles as we do, but who ultimately makes the right choice? I'll let you stew on that one for a second...

God does in deed instruct Abraham to "Lech Lecha," "Go forth." And Abraham does pack up his belongings and his household and set out on a journey with an undisclosed destination. Soon enough, he does arrive in Canaan, and he settles there. But just a few verses later, a famine strikes the land, and Abraham leaves! He packs up his things and skedaddles! He heads for Egypt, where there is food. Where's his faith now?? Why doesn't he trust God to provide for him?

But this is my whole point. This is the model we are looking for. First of all, it's hard to constantly trust in God, sometimes our confidence falters. Abraham tries to maintain his reliance on God, but he's scared for his family. How will he provide for them in times of trouble? Today, many of us struggle with the same difficult questions.

Even more important, however, is that religion may focus on the issue of faith, but it is not blind faith. I believe wholeheartedly that God expects us to be engaged partners in the world. God starts Abraham off on his journey, but the road was never meant to be easy. Abraham cannot expect to show up in Canaan and find a banquet set out before him every day. If we want the land to flow with milk and honey, we have to start raising some cows and cultivating some bees! Abraham knows this, and so when famine besets the land, he leaves (temporarily, of course), and takes control of his own destiny.

Abraham is a wonderful role model for us. But to me, his greatness lies in his questioning and his partnering with God. Only when we have faced tests in our lives and struggled to find our way can we truly proclaim that we have faith. That is the example set for us by Abraham, and that is the true teaching of religion.

Shabbat Shalom!