The Almighty orders Abraham (then known as Avram) to relocate to a foreign but holy land — Eretz Yisroel — as it has become known. He assures him that he will receive His blessings and that the elderly Abraham would become both internationally acclaimed by his contemporaries and the progenitor of great nations.

However, on arrival he discovers the land is ravished by famine. He decides to move temporarily to Egypt. Here he encounters difficulties on account of his good looking — if mature — wife, Sarai.

On returning to the ‘Promised Land’ he becomes a successful pastoral farmer. However, a dispute developed between Avram and his nephew Lot regarding grazing rights, Abraham splits from his nephew and protégé, Lot.

The latter descends upon Sodom, the notorious city where immorality was rife and the country had a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to immigration. (Actually, rather than repatriate foreigners, they tortured them).

However, Sodom, Gomorrah and three satellite “states” come under attack from four mighty kings to whom they had previously shown allegiance. Abraham raises a small army and helps to defeat the four kings, thereby saving Sodom and his nephew Lot. Abraham restores the rightful kings and withdraws — safe in the knowledge the countries were secure!

At the request of his wife, Abraham takes a concubine Hagar. She bears him a son who is called Ishmael.

God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his household. He also changes his name from Avram to Avraham and Sarai’s to Sarah - denoting their lofty status.

Abraham does indeed carry out the circumcision. He was 99. His son, Ishmael was 13. Subsequently, the ritual was to be performed at eight days old, as it is today.

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