Rabbi Howard Morrison

God singles out Abram (later - Abraham) to start a unique way of life based on belief in one God and a particular set of norms. Known As "Avram Ha'Ivri - Abram the Hebrew," Ivri literally means one who stands on one side, while others stand on another side.

Sadly, and tragically, many Jews feel all alone and isolated right now, notwithstanding that the crisis began with unprovoked acts of savagery and barbarism initiated by Hamas on October 7th.

In Parshat Lecha Lecha, God promises to Abram the land of Canaan-Israel as a major feature of an eternal covenant. For four thousands years, we Jews have called Israel our home physically and spiritually. For Diaspora Jews like myself, we feel like the medieval Judah Ha'Levi, who famously said, "Libi B'Mizrach - My heart is in the East (Israel)."

While much of the world protests against Israel and aligns itself with Hamas for reasons I will never understand, there is moral clarity here. Hamas uses children to protect weapons. Israel uses weapons to protect children. Hamas attacked innocent civilians with such brutality as rape, decapitation, hanging, mutilation and other acts of graphic savagery. Conversely, Israel uses many forms of media outreach to warn civilians in Gaza to get out of harm's way. It becomes the responsibility of those living in Gaza, Egypt, and the Arab world to secure safe passages of entry. Israel's only goal, completely moral, is to eradicate Hamas.

While we Jews may not feel the blessings given by God to Abram right now, the Torah does state "Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you shall be cursed."

Chazak Ve'Ematz - We the Jewish people must be strong and courageous during these overwhelming times.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison