Then, once Lot left, Hashem spoke to Abram, telling him that he was giving all the land to him and his families.

Some interesting thoughts. Rashi wrote how Hashem did not speak to Abram while Abram was in the company of Lot, because Lot was wicked. As soon as Lot left, Hashem spoke.

Rabbi Schneerson wrote; “The Torah tells us Lot’s story, not to inform us of his wickedness, but to teach us that Abram’s goal was that even a wicked person such as Lot should come to appreciate Hashem and display self-sacrifice to fulfill God’s will. When it became necessary for Abram to send lot away, Abram to send Lot away, Abram still kept a strong connection with him saying “Wherever you live, I will not distance myself from you, and I will stand by you as a protector and a helper.” (Schneerson is quoting Rashi here).

Abram’s commitment to a lot was so strong that he was willing to risk his life to fight a war against four kings to save Lot, and it was this that finally convinced Lot of the greatness of Abram and the truth of his teachings.

We find that even though Lot remained wicked and dwelled in Sodom, he was nevertheless inspired by Abram’s self-sacrifice, to the extent that he too risked his own life in order to welcome guests.”

This challenges me. There are many people in my life who I would want to distance myself from (don’t worry, none of them are you!). Abram lived his life according to the way Hashem desired, and yet still tried to keep peace Witt those around him, to the point of going to war.

That’s love that challenges my concepts. That’s family that goes beyond what I often see lived out in society.

I wonder if the idea of Abram and Lot separating was more of a spiritual idea, where Abram was able to keep himself apart from Lot spiritually, but physically was ready to provide and help Lot with what he needed.

There are boundaries – but those boundaries should not block risking our selves for another in the name of family. Or love.

Just something I’m chewing on this morning.

What do you think? What challenges do you have? What do you take out of the story of Abram and Lot and separating ways?