One of a Kind

“And Hashem said to Avram after Lot had parted from him…” (Bereishis 13:14)

Rashi comments that the entire time the wicked Lot was with Avram, Hashem didn’t speak with him.

This is incredible when you consider the fact that Avraham obviously realized his relationship with Lot was preventing him from receiving Hashem’s word. Yet he continued traveling with Lot, never mentioning it.

A person like Avraham Avinu knows the value of the Shechinah’s presence; he knew the elevated levels he could reach if he would only distance himself from Lot. Nevertheless, Avraham didn’t sever ties with his nephew, unwilling to give up on the opportunity to do chesed for him as he accompanied him. (Rav Shach, M’Rosh Amanah)

My friend Shifra called as I was spot-treating white shirts. Relieved to have a break from battling mysterious purple stains on Yitzi’s shirt, I grabbed the receiver like a lifeline.