Dvar Torah

Dear friends of JACS.  I have been sending (usually by fax) a weekly Torah
Thought called Parsha Preview to the Columbus community for the past year
and a half.  Some of my friends at JACS have received it and now that I am
slowly becoming E-mail literate (thanks, Suzanne) I have the CHUTZPAH to
impose it on all of you.  If any of you would prefer to receive it
personally (as opposed to the generic JACS list) please let me know.  

Love 'ya, 
Hirsh (the Cuddle HaDor!!) 

Friday October 25,1996                                         Erev Shabbat
Cheshvan 12, 5757

Lech Licha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)

Something to think about:

This week we begin to read about the spiritual and physical journey of
Abraham and Sarah.  These ancestors took the idea of monotheism out of the
ivory tower  where it existed for centuries, removed from masses and
challenged the people.  If G-d were to exist on this world (so to speak) then
the concept of  Hashem Echad  (One G-d) had to be brought to the people even
though amongst the people, the idea might risk misinterpretation and the
limitations of human understanding.  It seems that Hashem would rather be
misunderstood than ignored!

In the course of this journey Hashem tells Abraham,  Walk before Me and be
complete  (17:1)  This was to be accomplished through the covenant of BRIT
MILA (circumcision).  There are many ways that this mitzvah can be
understood.  I don t claim to have THE correct one.  Permit me to add my
own  two cents .

Many people who seek perfection [spiritual, financial, social etc.], live
their lives chasing that, one more thing;  Then I will be whole.  This is a
horrible way to live.  Hashem offers Abraham a revolutionary idea.  Even
in this type of search, sometimes more is not necessarily better. 
Sometimes you have to give up something to become complete. 

I spent last Shabbat with 200+ Jews from all over this country for whom
their spiritual quest directs them towards progress not perfection.  They
have taught me many things.  Amongst the lessons; I have learned is that
like Abraham s covenant, there may be things in life that we see as vital
and precious and only when we surrender them do we realize how complete we
are.  Candle lighting- 6:20
                                                               Shabbat
Ends-7:18

Good Shabbos!!                             Rabbi  Hirsh Michel Chinn