Parasha Minute: Genesis / BreisheetSampel

"From Shem to Avram"

In the years following the flood, Noach’s (Noah’s) descendants carried the story of Israel forward. Youngest son Ham, from whom descended the people of Kena’an (Canaan), took on sinful ways, incurring curses from the patriarch Noah. This seemingly minor detail figures prominently as Israel’s story unfolds. Meanwhile, Yefet (Japheth) and Shem inherited blessings, including a prophecy that their families would rise above their brother Ham’s descendants. From Ham’s line came those whose pride built the contentious Tower of Babel; and one called Mitzrayim who fathered the first Philistines.

From Shem descended quite a few key characters. Most notable of these was Avram, who became Abraham. From Shem we get the word Shemite, or Semitic: the line that eventually gave us Yeshua (Jesus). Reflection / Prayer: Adonai, You set Noah apart for a purpose he could not see. Yet he acted in faith and was rewarded. Remind us that our job is not to understand what You choose to keep hidden, but to act in faith. Amen!