We are in a season of choices. Across the globe, Jews are making choices about who we want to lead us and how we hope the future will unfold! This week I, along with much of the world, found myself transfixed by the still-unfolding Israeli elections. Next week, we will undoubtedly remain conscious of the process of coalition building there while we also turn our attention homeward to our own midterm elections. Of course, our Torah portion, Vayeira, gives us some of the values and lessons we need to help us make these choices!
Vayeira is a jam-packed parsha and includes several formative narratives of Abraham, Sarah, and the future of the Jewish people. All of these pivot points come down to the choices that our ancestors make in important moments. Although the issues they faced are, mostly, different from the ones we find on our ballots, their decisions can guide ours in the values they represent.
At the beginning of the parsha, Abraham chooses to welcome strangers and take care of them. Later he chooses to challenge God and appeal for mercy when God reveals the plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. He chooses clever diplomacy in his relations with Abimelech, King of the Philistines. In all of these moments, even when questioning, Abraham chooses to trust God.
On our ballots and in our everyday lives, we too have the opportunity to make these same choices. Let us follow Abraham’s example and choose to welcome, to challenge our leaders when things feel wrong, to use words and ideas instead of weapons, to put our trust in God while we act with our own hands. May our choices be for good, and may our future reflect God’s promise! Happy Voting!