1. The Story of Terach and His Sons
Last week’s portion concluded with the story of Terach, Avram’s father, and his sons. Avram had two brothers, Nachor and Haran. Rashi explains that Haran died after a dramatic incident: Terach complained about his sons destroying his idols and brought them before Nimrod. Nimrod threw Avram into the furnace, and when Haran was asked whose side he was on, he replied that he would wait to see who would prevail—if Avram survived, he’d side with him; if not, he’d side with Terach. After Avram was miraculously saved, Haran declared for Avram, but since his faith wasn’t genuine mesirus nefesh—self-sacrifice—he too was thrown into the fire but was not saved.2. The Move from Ur Kasdim to Charan
Despite these events, Haran had a son named Lot, who will play an important role later in the narrative. After the furnace episode, the family left Ur Kasdim—a place named for the fire—and moved to Charan. The Torah states that Terach died there. However, Rashi clarifies at the end of Parshas Noach that Terach did not actually die at that time; rather, he died many years later. The Torah mentions his death earlier for narrative reasons.3. The Status of a Rasha and a Tzadik
Rashi comments that even though Terach was still alive, because he was a rasha—wicked person—he is considered dead during his lifetime. Conversely, a tzadik—righteous person—is considered alive even after passing away. Rashi brings a pasuk—verse—to support this idea: Tzadikim are called living even after their death. This is not just a mystical idea but is stated explicitly by Rashi in Chumash.4. Sorai’s Family Background and Marriage to Avram
The Torah also informs us that Sorai was married to Avram and that she was barren—Sorai akora, unable to give birth. Rashi explains that Sorai was actually Haran’s daughter—making her Avram’s niece. This detail clarifies why later Avram refers to Sorai as his sister; she was indeed his brother’s daughter.5. Hashem’s Command: Lech Lecha
This week’s portion begins with Hashem appearing to Avram and commanding him: Lech lecha mei’artzecho—go away from your land. Although Avram had already left Ur Kasdim, Rashi explains that Hashem meant for him to go even further from his homeland and from his father’s house in Charan.6. The Purposeful Vagueness of Hashem’s Instruction
When they left Ur Kasdim, their intention was already to go to Canaan—the verse says so explicitly. Yet when Hashem speaks to Avram now, He does not specify Canaan but says instead: “to the land that I will show you.” Rashi notes that this vagueness is deliberate—to increase the reward for the tzadikim. Hashem often speaks this way in order to give greater merit for following His word without knowing all the details in advance.7. The Meaning of Lech Lecha
What does lech lecha mean? Literally “go for yourself.” Rashi gives two interpretations: in pshat—the straightforward meaning—it means “for your own benefit.” Hashem tells Avram that if he stays where he is, he will not have children or fame; only by leaving will these blessings come about. There is also a Chassidic interpretation: lech lecha, go “to yourself”—to your inner essence.8. Avram as the First Chabad Teacher and His Mission
Avram’s mission was essentially to publicize monotheism—to teach about Hashem as the first “Chabad teacher.” Even while still in Charan, Rashi says that Avram and Sorai would bring people under the wings of Hashem—they would “convert” people by teaching them belief in one God at a time when such belief was rare and radical. Hashem tells Avram that if he truly wants to make an impact on a grand scale—so people know who he is and learn about Hashem—he must leave Charan entirely and go to the land Hashem will show him.9. The Journey Continues
The narrative continues with Avram’s journey toward Canaan and describes various struggles and challenges along the way—which we will continue learning about in future discussions.