Posted on November 1, 2025 in Big Ideas from the Torah
Shalom Friends!
I love encountering new teachings! Thanks again to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l (Studies in Spirituality), my understanding of the biblical Abraham has shifted.
Many of us learned that Abraham was chosen by God and sent out of his father’s home and his homeland to be the first Jew and the father (Av -ram means father of many) of our Jewish nation. But the Torah never asks nor details about Abraham’s father himself or their relationship.
In fact, the Midrash (rabbinic legend) portrays Abraham as smashing his father’s idols and rejecting his father’s entire world view.
And yet, Rabbi Sacks notices that Abraham’s father travels with him, at least part way, on his journey to the Land of Israel.
Terah took his son, Abram.. .and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. (Genesis 11:31)
What? Terah took Abram? Terah, too, was on a journey to Canaan (Israel). They traveled together? This is news to me and happy news! It’s hard to imagine Abraham, the father of many, estranged from his own father.
In his brilliant way, Rabbi Sacks’ notices this backstory and the link between Abraham and his father. He writes:
When we are young, we hear the enchanting – indeed empowering – story of Abraham breaking the idols, with the message that a child can sometimes be right and a parent wrong … Only much later in life do we hear the far deeper truth -hidden in the guise of a simple genealogy – that Abraham was actually completing a journey his father began.
I hate to admit that some wisdom comes with age … but it surely does. And … surely we relate to our Torah from our personal perspectives. When we’re young we see the power in youth and as we age (myself included!) we see the power in the older generation and the subtle wisdom that reveals itself at new stages of life.
Even though Abraham gets the spotlight as the father of our Jewish nation, it’s meaningful to remember that his father was at his side. As much as we value our independence and autonomy, the connection between each other and between generations is a force that sustains and guides us.
Shabbat Shalom & Love, Rabbi Amy
About Rabbi Rader
Rabbi Amy Rader is the Founder and Executive Director of the Neshamah Institute in Boca Raton, a vibrant Jewish community offering meaningful Jewish education for kids, Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation, High Holiday services, and inspiring Jewish events. Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Rader brings over 25 years of experience helping families connect deeply with Judaism in modern, authentic ways.
