There is a suggestion concerning the first of the Bible's patriarchs, Abraham, that after the Days of Noach, and Babel, that YHVH decided to "take a different approach" to dealing with mankind. Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa says that, while there is some basis for the argument, it is still True that He "knew the end from the Beginning," and what played out was in accord with His Plan all along. And yet Abram, and we, do have free will. The challenges we face have consequences. And there's a story, and a lesson, here that he argues don't get the focus they deserve. The Erev Shabbat reading begins with the words that become the name of the parsha (Genesis chapters 12 through 17) - "Lekh lekha," or "get thee OUT!" -- of the place where you are, from your country, most of your family, and essentially what you've known, and go to a place that "I will show you." And Abram did it. How's that for an act of faith? And it turns out to be just the beginning of what he will be asked to do: [audio mp3="https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/SSM-10-23-26-Lekh-Lekha-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3"][/audio] The Sabbath day midrash at least begins to dive in to some elements of the saga, and the implications, from the way that an engineer would see it. But, no -- it's not too 'nerdy'. But the retired electronic engineer suggests that while "testing," and "sifting," and several other words may describe a bit of what his life then - and ours now! - involve really is best described as "filtering." Because a filter not only separates - wheat from chaff, the good from evil - and what we are set apart TO, as well - but it changes that which is filtered in the process. And Abram, then AbraHam, may be about the best example in the Book, as well as the prototype for now-maligned "patriarchy." All of which tells us why there is so much in here that 'churchianity' has chosen to ignore. Or worse. Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The "room name" is "Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa," and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath is available via Mark's website, www.MarkNiwot.com, and HebrewNationOnline.com
