I use quotation marks there because the word is important. I’m not sure we can go forward without an examination of this word. Because if the covenant is “everlasting” the covenant exists today. If that covenant is not REALLY everlasting, then the covenant does NOT exist today.

This leaves me (us) with some REALLY critical questions:

1. Do we believe this covenant still exists today?

2. If it does exist, do we believe Hashem honors his part of the covenant (regardless of what the covenant or terms of the covenant are)? Or do we believe he has broken his promises of the covenant?

3. Do we believe Hashem made this covenant with us (me)? Do I consider myself a “descendant of Abraham?”

4. If we believe the covenant exists today, and we believe Hashem has kept his part of the covenant, and this covenant applies to us- what is our role in this covenant that still exists today?

I think these four questions need firm internal answers.

And it’s ok if you believe the answer to these questions are more “no” then “yes.” I’m not here to judge. I’m more here sharing my journey. I will say, as a continuum, I’m more towards yes than no on these questions, and I’m more yes than no than I was a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago.

Then we dig into the covenant of circumcision; I won’t go into details other than the circumcision was the sign that Abraham (and his descendants – us) accepted the covenant between him (and us) and Hashem.

What is ALSO interesting about circumcision is that even those not directly descended from Abraham (like those we bought and kept as slaves – yes; Jews owned slaves way back in the day) were ALSO to be circumcised.

Those who were NOT circumcised were cut off from their people. When they reached the age of liability – 13.

Once Hashem finishes with telling Abraham what he needs to do to honor the covenant (circumcision), he turns and focuses on the women;

He tells Abraham that he shouldn’t call Sarai by that name any more; he should call her Sarah – why is this significant?

The Talmud teaches that although Sarai and Sarah both mean “princess” Sarai means “my princess.” Initially Sarai was a sovereign only of her own people. Sarah on the other hand, simply means “princess,” without limiting her to a particular nation or region. This indicates an expanded, universal influence.

I’ll dare add my own opinion here. When Abraham was using Sarai, he was literally calling Sarai “my princess.” That could be a positive thing, but it could also indicate possessiveness. Like Abram may have been thinking he owned her; she was his property. When in reality, Sarah was princess to all; and didn’t belong to Abraham or anyone else. Again; just a thought. Curious as to what others think! Especially those of you who identify as female; your opinion is really important because I read these passages with my male lens.

Beyond changing Sarah’s name, Hashem makes some promises:

1. Hashem will bless Sarah

2. Hashem will have Sarah bear a son

3. Sarah will become (the mother of) nations

4. Kings will be born from her.

That’s a pretty tall blessing To be honest.

Abraham then hesitates here, and it’s interesting. Because Abraham worries about Ishmael. But Hashem is faithful;

1. He tells Abraham that Isaac with be the bearer of the covenant, along with Isaac’s descendants.

2. He tells Abraham not to worry, Ishmael will be good. Ishmael was promised the following:

Then, Hashem ascended from Abraham. So basically Hashem came down and spoke to Abraham directly. How amazing is that?

And we close the passage with Abraham’s response:

Abraham circumcised EVERYONE!!! Including Ishmael. (Ouch). Ishmael was 13 when this happened. Abraham was 99. There wasn’t a lot of pain relief, and in fact the pain was part of the covenant.

What are YOUR thoughts? Any ideas or things in your brain triggered?