Lech Lecha: When it is Finally Time to Go

Leann Shamash
2 days ago
3 min read

#breisheet #lechlecha #parshatlechlecha #avraham #sarai #genesis #parshathashavua #parashathashavua #journeys #downsizing #aging

Parashat Lech Lecha is about journeys, but it is also a chance to learn more about the first pivotals figures in our long and storied history. Within these few chapters we discover more about the great Avram and Sarai. From the rabbis we learn about Avram's emunah, his deep belief, but through his actions we also learn about his conviction and courage.

Here stands Avram, a man seventy five years young, still maintaining the formidable organizational power to move himself and their sizable household, their properties and holdings. By his side, Sarai, known not only for her beauty, but for her strength, becomes a true partner in this move.

One can only imagine that Avram and Sarai had a wide network of friends and business associates in this place they called home.. Their home (tent?) was probably large and well furnished with the the conveniences of the time. The climate was known and expected; the view from their home the same each day.

Avram and Sarah made their decision. Did they contemplate? What did they consider?

From our vantage point we can ask whether they crippled by doubts or wishes to remain where they were? Would they trade the familiarity and love of their home for a new and unknown place?

We cannot know their process in coming to a decision, but we can imagine the fortitude it took to make and execute this voyage into the unknown.

So many generations in the future, as the Baby Boomers age out of their homes, there are many difficult decisions to be made. What to do with property, possessions, artifacts and heirlooms? Where will go and how do they prepare to leave their homes behind? This next short piece explores these feelings.

During this week when journeys are the theme, I wish you stability and when and if the time comes to move, I wish it to be one where all and any regrets are left behind.

May there be peace.

Shabbat Shalom,

Leann

Lech Lecha: When it is Finally Time to Go

They sit together at the kitchen table

as a shivering television mumbles nonsense.

Forty watt candle bulbs shine down

exposing fine lines spreading on their foreheads,

Eyes meet, yet words are

unspoken

in this kitchen,

the beating heart of this home

since,

well,

what seems forever ago.

So many busy, noisy years

have now become loose around the edges.

Empty rooms only grow bigger each day,

and once it seemed so much sunnier,

in this precious place they call home.

Here they sit and words hover, like fairy dust,

between them,

covering over memories.

Ribbono Shel Olam,

Teach them to see,

to read between the faded bedspreads,

on the candles of dusty chandeliers,

among memories that linger

beneath parent’s framed pictures

hanging sober faced on the walls.

Teach them how to leave it all behind.

The steep stairs squeaking in protest,

the balding carpets,

the piano, so out of tune.

To close the door one last time,

with the final click

they begin their journey to the unknown.

Please

open wide their eyes to see

the bush

burns bright with embers that never fade.

Help them find the wisdom,

the courage,

the vision and belief

to leave what is familiar behind them

and pack their memories neatly away,

for there is still more to come.

Help them know when it is time to go.

Lech Lecha: When it is Finally Time to Go

Lech Lecha: When it is Finally Time to Go

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