Faith in the face of estrangement

, this week’s Torah portion “Lech Lecha,” translated “Go To Yourself,” speaks of journeys. Specifically, Abraham’s journey. He was called upon by G-d, and he responded. When one thinks of the essence of Abraham, it is faith, emunah, that comes to mind. Among Abraham’s stellar attributes, such as extending himself in hospitality in service of the other, audacious prayer on behalf of those whose lives are threatened, devotion to G-d’s will by undergoing a painful bris, and so much more, somehow faith seems his overriding quality. Even when all the odds were stacked against him, Abraham stubbornly and faithfully believed. When he and his wife are past childbearing years, even as the core of the covenant that G-d earlier blessed him with was that his […]