Lech Lecha
Avraham: A Living Manual for Inner Growth
adapted from Philo of Alexandria (1st
century C.E.)
Some of our teachers say
that the Torah is a book of moral and ethical instruction, through and
through. Even the stories of our
ancestors are metaphorical teachings about how to grow spiritually.
Avraham's journeys from Ur
to Charan and from Charan to Canaan represent the inner journeys that every
human being must undertake in order to become aware of God's presence. Two journeys are necessary. First, a person must leave behind
preconceptions and habits of thought.
Then, when one's thoughts have changed, one must change one's behaviors
in the world.
Avraham's close relationship
with his wife Sarah teaches that no single human attribute is sufficient to
elevate us spiritually. In
particular, neither reason nor virtue is sufficient, but both should work
together.
Avraham's war against the
five kings teaches us about an inner struggle between the alliance of reason
and virtue, on the one hand, and the alliance of the five senses, on the
other. The senses try to convince
us that everyday material life is all there is, while reason and virtue know
differently.
If we were adept at that
inner war, we would learn that most earthly wars are for material gain and
cannot bring to the world anything of lasting value. When we blow the shofar, the war trumpet, at the beginning
of each new year, we are reminded of two important spiritual commitments. First, through the use of reason we
must seek inner peace. Second,
through the exercise of virtue we must seek peace in the world.
Return to Reb Laura's
"Taste of Torah" list.
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