This week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, begins with one of the most transformative commands in Jewish history: "Lech lecha… Go forth from your land, your birthplace, your father's house, to the land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). But Abraham doesn't journey alone. The very next message the Torah teaches us is that "Abram took his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot...and the souls they had gathered in Haran" (Genesis 12:5).
Our great commentators ask: what are these "souls they had gathered"? Rashi explains these were people Abraham and Sarah brought into their tent, teaching them the lessons and values of a new tradition and way of life, monotheism. But I love the sagely advice of the Sforno's interpretation: these were diverse individuals who felt welcomed into Abraham and Sarah's vision of a more just and compassionate world. Abraham's journey wasn't just geographic; it was about building an inclusive community united by shared values.
This week, our own community has been living out Abraham's legacy of gathering diverse souls and voices. On Monday, we launched the Sharon and Paul Stein Israel and Overseas Speaker Series with Jerusalem Post journalist Herb Keinon, who explored "A New Chapter in an Old Alliance," helping us understand the evolving American-Israeli relationship. This incredible series continues with remarkable voices: political strategist Dahlia Scheindlin discussing war, politics, and peace (December 3); Ethiopian Jewish entrepreneur Beejhy Barhany sharing thousands of years of Israeli history (January 11); cookbook author Adeena Sussman exploring immigration and culinary life (February 9); filmmaker Neta Blum presenting The Technion documentary (March 2); and concluding with Israeli Policy Forum's Alex Lederman discussing Israel 2026 (March 24).
On Tuesday, the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center hosted the Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida’s Fourth Annual Local Jewish History Film Festival, reminding us that our local story is woven into the broader Jewish narrative. We heard from two extraordinary pioneers who helped build our community, much like Abraham built his.
And then came Tuesday evening's extraordinary gift: Harmony in Uniform's: Sound of Inclusion concert. Young adults with disabilities, fully integrated into the IDF and Israeli society, shared their voices in song. If Abraham's tent was known for its openness on all four sides, welcoming everyone, then Harmony in Uniform personally demonstrated how they embody that same radical inclusion.
And that’s not all… This Sunday, the Men's Cultural Alliance (MCA) welcomes back its 900 members with their annual BBQ, another gathering of souls, another chapter in our communal journey.
Like Abraham, we are called not just to go forth, but to bring others along. This season, through thought-provoking speakers, meaningful films, inspiring performances, and joyful gatherings, we continue building the inclusive, vibrant community our tradition demands.
Lech lecha, let us go forth together because we are Stronger Together!
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