Avraham or, as he was then known, Avram, was also planning a once-in-a- lifetime trip.

However, this trip is unlikely to feature in a brochure! God instructs him to ‘up sticks’ and take a one-way trip with his wife and household to a place that would be revealed once he is on the way.

This was a test of Avram’s faith and trust in God. Avram passes the test with flying colours. Of course, there were no trains, planes or automobiles at the time! It was a long and arduous journey, which would have been challenging for a younger man, let alone a 75-year-old.

The land in question was none other than Canaan — known today as our beloved Israel.

Thus the connection between the Jewish nation and the land of Israel was established.

Having successfully negotiated the journey, Avram settles down in the ‘new country’.

However, he has to contend with a series of challenges such as a famine, a dispute with his nephew Lot and being dragged into a war between various kings in order to rescue his nephew who was taken hostage.

The Almighty makes a covenant with Avram promising him that his descendants will inherit Eretz Yisrael — but only after enduring slavery in a foreign country (Egypt).

The sedra concludes with one of the few mitzvot in the Book of Bereshit. Avram’s name is changed to Avraham and his wife Sarai becomes Sarah. Avraham is then commanded to circumcise himself and the males in his household. This he does at the age of 99. The plot is about to thicken!

To read more on this story, subscribe to our new e-edition. Go to E-edition.jewishtelegraph.com.

E-MAIL: comment@jewishtelegraph.com

If you have a story or an issue you want us to cover, let us know - in complete confidence - by contacting newsdesk@jewishtelegraph.com, 0161-741 2631 or via Facebook / Twitter