Divrei Menachem

Divrei Menachem - Parashat Lech L'cha

Parshat Lech L’cha informs us categorically of our rights of possession to Eretz Yisrael.
First, the Covenant of the Pieces indicates to Avraham that, “I am Hashem who brought you out of Ur Kasdim to give you this land to inherit it”, and that, “To your descendants have I given this land” (Breishit 15:7, 18).
Later, Hashem notifies Avraham that he will ratify His covenant between, “Me and you… and [that] I will give… to your offspring after you… the whole Land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; and I shall be a G-d to them” (ibid. 17:1-8).
Covenants, however, need partners. Our overriding commitment is to conduct Brit Mila on the 8th day after birth (in contrast to the 7th day that represents a natural cycle). The removal of the “Orla”, the foreskin - or symbolically, the “unfeeling barrier” to an elevated life-style (Vayikra 26:41) - serves not only as a sign of Hashem’s promises to us. It also reminds us that continuity of Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael is contingent on our ability to raise ourselves to spiritual heights that defy the natural order of things (Maharal).

Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff

• Other Divrei Menachem
• Divrei Menachem for Parashat Tzav
• Divrei Menachem - Parashat Vayikra
• Divrei Menachem - Vayakhel P'kudei