In Song: Lech Lecha
Each week The Arty Semite connects the Torah reading — however tenuously — to a classic work of rock ‘n’ roll.
In this week’s parsha, Lech Lecha, Avram is told to go up to the land of Canaan and settle in the land which will belong to his offspring.
Due to a famine, Avram temporarily relocates to Egypt.
After returning, He separates from his nephew, Lot. Lot is captured in a local power struggle, but is rescued by Avram.
Avram is told at the “Covenant of the Pieces” that his offspring will inherit the land after exile and slavery in return for serving God.
Avram fathers Ishmael through Hagar, his concubine.
God changes Avram and Sarai’s names to Avraham and Sarah and Avraham, Ishmael and all the males in the household undergo circumcision as a sign of connection to God.
As part of the “Covenant of the Pieces,” Avram is taken outside, where he is told to look at the sky and count the stars as an indication of the multiplicity of his offspring.
