Noah to Terrah to Avram
9/26 Torah Study with Rabbi Marder
Genesis 11: 26-32 - from Terrah to Avram
There are many ideas about Abraham as a child and his family history.
As we enter "historical" time with Abraham the names and the places are documented. There is no physical evidence of Abraham himself.
The introduction of 'characters' that show up again. Lot
3 women:
Sari = princess = queen (Acadian)
Milka (Malka) = queen = daughter of moon god (Acadian)
Ischa ( Milka's sister) - mentioned but no definite information on who she is.
Rashi: Iscah is the same as Sari - this is another name for Sari because she can see into the future.
Who is Sari's father? The problematic question. It is not clear here but later when Abraham takes her to Egypt and says that she is his sister may just be partially true? Many midrashim on this one...
Sari is "barren" she has no children. The term is not that she in infertile necessarily. Some commentators say that she was infertile and that is why the miracle of Isaac is even more important.
Leon Kass: The childless relationship of Sari and Avram is an indication of the importance of the marriage relationship where 'love' exceeds the desire for children. This is also an indicator of Avram's special qualities. He is not ordinary in this way, it shows his potential for compassion and ability to learn and lead people.
THE JOURNEY
Remember there has been no communication from God for 10 generations.
Terrah's family was already on the move - some indication that they were traveling toward Canaan. When Avram leaves it is not clear if he is making a complete break from his father OR if he is continuing the journey.
The numbers show that his father lived a long time after Avram leaves.
- 60 years more approximately
Rashi interprets this as Avram not honoring his father properly as he left him and did not stay to take care of him.
Haran - the place where they were - a center for moon worship
Eli Munk interprets the Zohar commentary on the travels:
The journey of Avram reflect the inner turmoil, he is moving around to seek the truth over the period of 75 years before God speaks to him.
It was Avram's efforts to search for the truth that made him the one chosen by God. He was a spiritual pioneer before he was chosen.
Regarding Sari being barren, Munk points out that this induces prayer by the women. Because God yearns for prayer, the matriarchs were not blessed with children until they prayed.
Another thought was that they had to go to the new land first. They had to break from the past to get a 'fresh start'.
Avram & Sari are held as a model of a good marriage.
Children are just a transitory part of life.
"the tree is judged by it's fruit" You can tell things about the parent from the children.
Genesis 11: 26-32 - from Terrah to Avram
There are many ideas about Abraham as a child and his family history.
As we enter "historical" time with Abraham the names and the places are documented. There is no physical evidence of Abraham himself.
The introduction of 'characters' that show up again. Lot
3 women:
Sari = princess = queen (Acadian)
Milka (Malka) = queen = daughter of moon god (Acadian)
Ischa ( Milka's sister) - mentioned but no definite information on who she is.
Rashi: Iscah is the same as Sari - this is another name for Sari because she can see into the future.
Who is Sari's father? The problematic question. It is not clear here but later when Abraham takes her to Egypt and says that she is his sister may just be partially true? Many midrashim on this one...
Sari is "barren" she has no children. The term is not that she in infertile necessarily. Some commentators say that she was infertile and that is why the miracle of Isaac is even more important.
Leon Kass: The childless relationship of Sari and Avram is an indication of the importance of the marriage relationship where 'love' exceeds the desire for children. This is also an indicator of Avram's special qualities. He is not ordinary in this way, it shows his potential for compassion and ability to learn and lead people.
THE JOURNEY
Remember there has been no communication from God for 10 generations.
Terrah's family was already on the move - some indication that they were traveling toward Canaan. When Avram leaves it is not clear if he is making a complete break from his father OR if he is continuing the journey.
The numbers show that his father lived a long time after Avram leaves.
- 60 years more approximately
Rashi interprets this as Avram not honoring his father properly as he left him and did not stay to take care of him.
Haran - the place where they were - a center for moon worship
Eli Munk interprets the Zohar commentary on the travels:
The journey of Avram reflect the inner turmoil, he is moving around to seek the truth over the period of 75 years before God speaks to him.
It was Avram's efforts to search for the truth that made him the one chosen by God. He was a spiritual pioneer before he was chosen.
Regarding Sari being barren, Munk points out that this induces prayer by the women. Because God yearns for prayer, the matriarchs were not blessed with children until they prayed.
Another thought was that they had to go to the new land first. They had to break from the past to get a 'fresh start'.
Avram & Sari are held as a model of a good marriage.
Children are just a transitory part of life.
"the tree is judged by it's fruit" You can tell things about the parent from the children.
posted by Chavarah @ 3:27 PM
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