We are not asked to step forward only once in our lives – we are asked to continually approach.

Published: Tue, 10/28/25

Updated: Wed, 10/29/25

"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Genesis 12:1-3

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Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, November 1st, is Parashat Lech Lecha. Abram and Sarai travel to Canaan. Due to a famine in the land they temporarily relocate to Egypt, where Pharaoh unsuccessfully attempts to add Sarai to his harem. They return to Canaan with great wealth and Abram parts with his nephew Lot. Abram defeats the armies of the four kings who had taken his nephew Lot hostage. G‑d seals a pact with Abram, bequeathing the lands of Canaan to his descendants. Childless Abram marries Hagar and she gives birth to Ishmael. G‑d changes Abram’s name to Abraham, and Sarai becomes Sarah. Abraham is circumcised at the age of 99.

Join us in exploring the Weekly Bible Chapter: Stepping Forward with Rabbi Avraham Norin, and let’s learn and reflect together!

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Lekh Lekha, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Noach. Watch it below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta have to share.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Masada, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell
Root Source Founders

Parashat Lech Lecha

G‑d commanded Abram to leave his father’s house and homeland, and travel to the land that He will show him. As reward for doing so, G‑d promised to make Abram the patriarch of a great nation. Abram obeyed, taking along his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. Once Abram arrived in Canaan, G‑d informed him that He will eventually give that land to his descendents. Abram traverses the length of the land until a famine forces him to travel to Egypt. Fearing that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take Sarai, Abram asked her to allege that he was her brother.

Weekly Bible Chapter:

Stepping Forward

Judah steps forward, approaching. Bold move. Uncertain outcome. Turns out well. Judah is all about stepping forward, being courageous, and taking responsibility even to his own detriment. We take the name Jew from him…this is part of our identity. Our heritage. The rabbis understand Judah’s actions as steadfast and directed. He had a goal. And he would not stop talking with Joseph until his brother was released. While the Torah reveals a soliloquy from Judah (in fact it’s the longest speech in the book of Genesis) the rabbis read in a dialogue. Joseph’s voice cannot be heard, but Judah talks and talks and talks as if trying to anticipate Joseph’s responses…with each new thought, he takes another risk in addressing Joseph. In challenging authority. Attempting to change his mind. And sure enough, Joseph breaks down.

Read here!

Parashat Lekh Lekha: Nullifying the Why

At first glance, God’s command to Abraham in Lekh Lekha seems remarkably easy. God promises him blessings, nationhood, and greatness if he simply relocates. Compare this to the Akeda, where Abraham receives a devastating command with no explanation or reward – yet the Torah considers Lekh Lekha a serious trial. Why?

Read Here!

Noach:
Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

Unphased by the constraints of immovable fate, Noach walked with G-d and did what was required of him to ride out the storm on behalf of all humanity.

Watch the video

Conversations:

Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta -

October 27, 2025

In their October 27, 2025 discussion, Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta explored the Jewish High Holy Days, emphasizing the Fast of Gedalia as a lesson on peace and the consequences of violence. They also discussed Israel’s political landscape and biblical themes, including Abraham’s covenant and moral lessons from his story. Overall, the conversation blended faith, history, and ethical reflection.

Watch here!

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Stevie Mick from What Was Jesus' Favourite Book? Gidon Ariel Talks to Jeff About The "Bible" in the First Century:

"Shalom, Gidon! Wonderful exchange with Jeff and should challenge assumptions by many Christians who claim to be “restoring New Testament Christianity.” Shifting the focus from “books” to “scrolls” was excellent and was also a wonderful reflection for me! As I recall you did not specifically answer the discussion questions itself. Jeff answered the Psalms and that may be true of Scriptures recited without reference to the amount of times they were cited. Otherwise, for sheer volume I still hold to the fifth scroll of the Torah, Devarim."

Masada, Israel

Enjoy this photo in Masada, Israel by Cristina Gottardi.

Blessings and Shalom,
Bob and Gidon

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