Bereshith 12:1 – 17:27
This week’s perashá speaks about our patriarch Abraham (may he rest in peace). There are many things that can be said about him; however, this commentary will focus on the relationship between him and his nephew Lot.
When we analyze the book of Bereshith, we notice that there were many conflicts among family members. For example, Qayin vs. Hébel, Yishma’el and Yiṣḥaq, and later Yosef vs. his ten older brothers. In this portion, we see that Abraham Abinu had to separate from his nephew Lot. The Torah tells us that both Abraham and Lot possessed great wealth in gold, silver, and livestock. Apparently, their material possessions were enough reason for them to part ways.
We could deduce from the text that the problem between them was a competition of riches. All the wealth that came to Lot was in the merit of Abraham Abinu, yet Lot became proud of what he had, to the point that he exalted himself over his uncle. In the end, Abraham asked Lot to go wherever he wished, since they were brothers.
Sadly, sometimes separation between brothers or relatives is necessary in order to preserve peace. This is the reason why divorce is permitted by the Law (Debarim 24).
On the other hand, every Shabbat, we bless our sons with the phrase:
“May the Eternal make you like Menashéh and Efrayim.”
These two brothers are highlighted in the Torah because, although Efrayim was the younger and received the blessing of the firstborn, Menashéh did not oppose it nor create discord.
In the same way, the Eternal — blessed be His Name — desires shalom among brothers, as expressed in the psalm:
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” (Mizmor 133).
Shabbath Shalom