So Abraham tells Lot (1): "Let there be no arguments between the two of us or between our shepherds, because, after all, we are brothers.” Abraham suggests that they part ways. “If you go left then I will go right, and if you go right then I will go left.” Immediately agreeing to Abraham's proposal, Lot chooses the Jordan plain and Abraham settles in the Land of Canaan. They separate.
The story seems straightforward. Yet sensitive, as always, to subtle nuances in the biblical narrative, our sages exposed another dimension to the story.
Start With Your Own Brother – Live and Let Live
Chapter 13 of Genesis, this week’s portion, describes Abraham’s disengagement from his nephew Lot. The background to this development is clear. Both Abraham and Lot have become quite wealthy, their flocks have become numerous; the grazing lands are no longer large enough to meet their needs. Disputes brake out between the shepherds of Abraham and Lot.
So Abraham tells Lot (1): “Let there be no arguments between the two of us or between our shepherds, because, after all, we are brothers.” Abraham suggests that they part ways. “If you go left then I will go right, and if you go right then I will go left.” Immediately agreeing to Abraham’s proposal, Lot chooses the Jordan plain and Abraham settles in the Land of Canaan. They separate.
The story seems straightforward. Yet sensitive, as always, to subtle nuances in the biblical narrative, our sages exposed another dimension to the story.
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