Lech-L'kha

Avraham: The First Jewish Environmentalist

By TUVIA ARONSON

In our generation, the Torah seems to be calling to the Jewish people: "Return to your roots and show the world a model Avraham would be proud of." We must move toward living more harmoniously with the Earth by living more in unity with each other, and we need to be at the forefront of environmental and human rights concerns, if we are truly to be a "Light to the Nations."

Protecting Hagar

By CAROL TOWARNICKY

As Jews engaged in social justice work, we have an obligation to emulate God's relationship with Hagar.

By including the story of the outsider Hagar in such a prominent place, the Torah is telling us that God cares about those "outside" the Jewish community, which our lives as Jews are connected to those of the "stranger," braided tightly together like the lives of Abram, Sarai and Hagar. There is nothing more empowering than to be seen like Hagar, really seen, for who one is and what one really needs. As God saw and protected Hagar in her vulnerability and exploitation, so must we. When we see our women partners as they see themselves, we are doing the work of El-Roi.

The Price of Possessions

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

Great wealth made it hard for Abraham and Lot to live together. Wealth was an obstacle to community.

Getting Out, Hanging In

BY RABBI DAVID ROSENN

People who can sustain the community during scarcity must do so. Can it be acceptable to flee a situation, where people need your help, to rescue yourself?