by Rebbitzen Malkah

As we journey through Parashat Lech Lecha, we are introduced to a covenant that will set Avraham and the Jewish people on a course destined for blessing, salvation, and eventually restoration. We witness the blessing of Avraham and the creation of a covenant which is to stand for all time; a covenant which, by its very nature, will allow Avraham to be a conduit of blessing for all who come into his presence. The manner in which this covenant is revealed to Avraham three times and also sealed presents us with a beautiful picture of how when Hashem communicated with Avraham on a deeply personal level, Avraham became so divinely inspired that every part of his being would be profoundly committed for his entire life This theme of mirroring the Divine Presence to others through covenantal blessing began with Avraham and continues today through us. As heirs of the covenantal blessing procured through our Messiah Yeshua, we have the opportunity to infuse holiness into those around us by tapping into the very essence of the Abrahamic Covenant and what it truly means to know our purpose.

They've done it again.  The meteorologists have diagnosed a La Nina going strong in the Pacific Ocean.  Colder than normal water in the Pacific Ocean spells only one outlook for those of us in the Pacific Northwest:  a wetter than normal winter. Frankly,  I can't imagine that this year could possibly hold more rain than last year.  But can anyone anywhere else in the country really understand the ramifications of such a prophecy?  Let me spell it out for you:  Noach.