Where are Jew Going?

Perhaps the alliteration of Lekh-Lekha brings about all the attention this parsha gets. From a challah-venture who borrows the name, to Debbie Friedman’s well-known song, this seems to be a favorite of parshiyot followers.

This week, I learned that laughter first shows up in this parsha (not next week’s – which is when Sarah’s laughter is always pointed out). Abraham laughs after G!d delivers the news about the possibility of a child at such an old age. Laughter, then, connects Parashat Lech-Lecha and Parashat Vayera – Isaac’s name, an overflow of relational response. Rabbi Daniel Ross from Central Synagogue summed this up in Friday evening’s drash.

On our journeys, as we travel physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually – G!d sustains us with relationships, laughter, insights, change, and intimacy. Sometimes the most ridiculous ideas become the very foundation of our future – such as is the case for Sarah and Abraham.

Lake Harrison in Denver, CO (David Simon)

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My question for this week’s Dissertation Diary: Does one religion have more of a claim on messianism than another? – OR – Why does a a religion become defined by messianism?

[Leave a comment if you have ideas!]