3-D Righteousness: Lech Lecha

the phrase “3-D chess” connotes a higher intellect. the original star trek television series’ introduced 3-D chess as a futuristic recreational activity. the fact that mr. spock took his time to play it logically implied that the game was for those with great intellect and reason.

the term “3-D chess” has two components. first, there are moves and counter moves; the appreciation that one’s action creates another’s reaction. second, there is also the dimensional aspect beyond that of a conventional board; exceptional vision is a necessity.

in the torah portion lech lecha, abram operates on another level. abram, with his newly formed relationship with god, emerges as a force in the land of canaan. he is armed with both instructions and beliefs.

as lech lecha unfolds, abram appreciates that his relationship with god will be scrutinized by the outside world. he knows that others will cast judgment upon this relationship. who is this god? who is this abram? are they formidable? we begin to see that god will represent abram and abram will represent god.

lech lecha displays abram’s level of righteousness. we witness, what i would like to call, elevated or “3-D righteousness”. abram’s awareness and critical actions are the foundation of monotheism’s rise.

a moment of import in lech lecha is when a battle took place between local monarchies in which the city of sodom was captured. abram’s nephew lot was taken captive as well. to rescue his nephew, abram organized a group, formed an army, and recovered both lot and what had been taken from sodom.

after abram successfully rescued both lot and others, salem’s king/priest “blessed him, and he said, “blessed be abram to the most high god, who possesses heaven and earth. and blessed be the most high god, who has delivered your adversaries into your hand,” and he gave him a tithe from all.”

after that, sodom’s king said to abram “give me the souls, and the possessions take for yourself.” abram responds “i raise my hand to the lord, the most high god, who possesses heaven and earth. neither from a thread to a shoe strap, nor will I take from whatever is yours, that you should not say, ‘i have made abram wealthy.'”

thus, abram’s emergence as a figure within canaan involved a greater purpose than merely acquiring wealth and power. he was to be a messenger, a representative, and a follower of the most high god. abram’s interactions with the kings set forth this agenda.

in sum, this portion’s lesson is that an individual’s actions has the potential to impact their associations. a positive act stands to reflects well upon the associate while a negative act may do otherwise.

be well!!