Most of us have had the following experience at least once in our lives – to pack up and leave familiar surroundings and go settle permanently somewhere else. Because of a variety of circumstances, we pick ourselves up, pack our prized possessions and move our entire lives to another place on the globe. I would say the principal cause for this lifestyle adjustment comes from economic circumstances. A change in jobs certainly tops the list. Costs of housing or an easing of ones lifestyle (moving south in search of more moderate weather conditions) are big considerations as well. Family situations often are the cause for moving to another place. A marriage, a divorce, getting closer to the kids or getting away from certain relatives are all possible factors, however, how many of us have picked up our families and our businesses and moved because Gd told us to?

Such was the case with our Patriarch Abraham who, according to the Torah, was a reasonably wealthy man with a wife, employees and herds of animals, living a comfortable life in Haran (now part of Iraq) when Gd appeared to him and told him, in no uncertain terms, to pack up everyone and everything and go to "the land which I will show you. And there you will become a great nation." A very powerful order from the Supreme Ruler of the Universe – how could Abraham refuse! There are as many reasons for moving as there are stars in the heavens but when the reasons are as clear-cut as Gd’s appearance was to Abraham, one does as instructed. For the Jews, Abraham’s move to what is now Israel was very timely and proved to be the "official" beginning of an entire society of people dedicated to the principles of one Gd and the rules of living an honorable, respectful, law abiding life.

I encourage everyone to pick up a Chumash or Tikkun and read parasha Lech L’Cha and the chronicles of Abraham and Sarah both for its storyline and its messages of hope and wonder and honor for all peoples of the world.

Rabbi Rubovits