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Lech Lecha -By Ellen Brown, Member, VBS Board of Directors

Lech Lecha

In last week’s parsha Noach, we ended with the listing of the 10 generations from Noach to Abram. When we begin this week’s parsha, Lech L'cha, Abram is 75 and God says to him “Lech L'cha.”

Abram and his wife Sarai, age 65, give up everything they know—their land, family, their past—and they leave Abram’s father and all things familiar. As there was no texting, Skype or Facetime, they sever all connections, and they initially hide their identity to survive.

Commentary about the language Lech L'cha says that it would have been enough to just say Lech which means "GO," but adding the L'cha gives a much richer and deeper meaning—GO TO YOURSELF. It is explained that the emphatic use of L'CHA not only stresses the force of this commandment, but also shows the intent of what GO TO YOURSELF will mean and accomplish in the journey… starting anew, passing several tests of faith, attaining spiritual growth, setting and reaching goals. And of course it takes tremendous faith and tremendous strength to Lech L'cha

As for me, I have not physically “Lech L'cha’d”—my parents moved to Encino when I was 4… and I’m still here at VBS. But, my parents’ experiences have left an enormous impression on me, taught me so much, and have shaped my views and sensitivities toward immigrants—those who have picked up to start all over for a better life for themselves and their children, or toward a calling for something better. 

Because of my family’s story, I identify with this parsha… My mother was born in 1925 into a religious family living in Poltusk, Poland, and she was the youngest of 4 children. Her father was a hat salesman, and took a horse and buggy to Warsaw to pick up his ware, and then sold the caps along the way back to Poltusk. One day, he was fired, as the manufacturer realized he could keep more money by getting rid of his salesman and by selling the hats himself. My grandparents were poor to begin with, so you can imagine how devastating this was. There became a time where they considered selling their precious shabbos candlesticks, and they then realized it might just be time to go. Little did they know what must have been the worst of times for them, was actually the greatest gift of all—to leave Poland before the rise of Nazi Germany.

My grandfather had a cousin in Toronto who agreed to sponsor him, so he left his family for 3 years to work for 5 steerage tickets, and in 1931, my mom and her family left for Toronto. I always wonder what that was like for my grandparents, my uncle, my aunts and my mom—learning a new language, new customs, new everything, and like Abraham and Sarah, how did they grow from their journey? It’s no wonder that this parsha speaks to me on such a deep level.

I love hearing stories from immigrants, and always ask, why did they leave? What do they love about America, and what do they miss from where they were born?

For me, I am living a Jewish life that Abraham and Sarah’s journey started into motion, and I have reaped opportunities from my grandparent’s journey from Poland to Toronto, and my parents move to Los Angeles. I’m certain my grandparents and parents could never have ever imagined what was possible for me from their journey—but here I am, tonight with all of you at VBS, and I have truly been blessed. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Ellen Brown, Member, VBS Board of Directors
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Ellen & Jeff Brown, Second Generation VBS Members (1980)

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784