Lech-Lecha: The Fear of G-d and the Foundations of Morality
In Parshat Lech-Lecha, Abraham and Sarah descend to Egypt due to famine. Before crossing the border, Abraham makes a surprising request of Sarah: "Please say that you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live because of you" (Genesis 12:13). This prompt raises a question: How could Abraham rely on Sarah’s merit for his own safety, and was he not putting Sarah herself in a spiritual and physical danger?
The Zohar (Lech-Lecha 77b) reveals that Abraham experienced an extraordinary measure of Divine revelation due to Sarah. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:16) notes that open miracles occurred inside her tent. Abraham recognized her immense holiness and righteousness and knew Heaven would not permit her to be hurt. Yet, Torah law teaches that one must not rely on miracles alone; one must…


Dear Rabbi
I would like to thank you for your thoughts on the true ownership of the Earth and everything that is a part of it. And everything that HaShem gives because he wants to and is able to. With so many nations arguing and pushing each other for dominance and resources it is for us a timely reminder that EVERYTHING belongs to HaShem and Humanity has a responsibility to take care of what we have been given.