Parshas Lech Lecha by Rabbi Dovid Green In this week's parsha we
are introduced to a paradoxical fellow named Lot. Lot was the
son of Avraham's deceased brother, Haran, and the brother of
Sarah, Avraham's wife. When Avraham was commanded by G-d to
leave his land, his birthplace, and his father's house, Lot went
with him. Avraham was Lot's mentor and protector. However, as we
shall see, the relationship was not simple, and its
repercussions were not all good. The Torah tells us that Avraham
and his family went down to Egypt to avoid the famine in the
Land of Canaan. Avraham and Lot both became very wealthy in
Egypt. As they made their way back to the Land of Canaan, it
became apparent that the land would not be able to provide for
all of their livestock if they would remain together. Avraham's
shepherds fought with Lot's shepherds, and Avraham suggested
they separate on friendly terms. Lot chose to go to Sodom, which
was a place overflowing with natural resources. Much has been
written regarding this relations