JHP S1E3 - Ivri: Taking a stand

Jewish Heroism Project

How do I take a stand, and what does it mean when I do? This class opens with Avraham as the Ivri, the Hebrew. That name marks him as a descendant of Ever, immigrant from the other side (ever) of the river, and visionary who took a stand opposite the whole world over the Oneness of God. The first section ties these aspects of the Ivri together into a stance which might find expression in our own life journey. Then we trace some of the key events in Avraham’s life, exploring how his Ivri stance was decisive at each turn in his heroic story. It helped him hear the call to leave home, and merit a promise of vast blessings. It stood by him when he entered the covenant, teaching him about right relationship. It supported him in his defense of Sodom, giving him the courage to stand opposite God. The third path of Jewish heroism is the Ivri – the Hebrew heroism of taking a stand.