Genesis 12:8 - Avram's altar near Bet-el

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעְתֵּק מִשָּׁם הָהָרָה מִקֶּדֶם לְבֵית־אֵל וַיֵּט אָהֳלֹה בֵּית־אֵל מִיָּם וְהָעַי מִקֶּדֶם וַיִּבֶן־שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהוָה וַיִּקְרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And he removed from there to a mountain on the east of Bet-el, and pitched his tent, having Bet-el on the west, and ῾Ay on the east: and there he built an altar to the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.

Transliteration

Va'ya'tek mi'sham ha'hara mi'kedem le'veit-el va'yet o'holo beit-el mi'yam ve'ha'ai mi'kedem va'yiven-sham miz'be'ach la'Adonai va'yik'ra be'shem Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּעְתֵּ֨ק מִשָּׁ֜ם הָהָ֗רָה מִקֶּ֛דֶם לְבֵֽית־אֵ֖ל וַיֵּ֣ט אׇהֳלֹ֑ה בֵּֽית־אֵ֤ל מִיָּם֙ וְהָעַ֣י מִקֶּ֔דֶם וַיִּֽבֶן־שָׁ֤ם מִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וַיִּקְרָ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical and Spiritual Significance

The verse describes Avram's (later Avraham) journey to a mountain east of Beit-El, positioning his tent between Beit-El to the west and Ai to the east. Rashi (Bereshit 12:8) explains that Avram deliberately chose this location to serve as a spiritual center. Beit-El, meaning "House of God," was already known as a sacred place (as later referenced in Yaakov's dream), while Ai represented a place of challenge and destruction (as seen later in Yehoshua's conquest). By situating himself between them, Avram demonstrated his role as a bridge between holiness and worldly struggles.

The Construction of the Altar

Avram built an altar to Hashem, continuing his practice of publicizing divine presence. Ramban (Bereshit 12:8) notes that this altar was not just for personal worship but served as a beacon to attract others to monotheism. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 39:16) adds that Avram's altars were strategically placed along his journeys to proclaim God's name in new territories, fulfilling his mission as the father of monotheism.

Calling in the Name of Hashem

The phrase "וַיִּקְרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה" ("and called upon the name of the Lord") is interpreted by Rashi as Avram publicly teaching about God's existence. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) elaborates that this involved hospitality and outreach, as Avram and Sarah converted people through kindness and theological instruction. Sforno emphasizes that this proclamation was not just verbal but embodied in Avram's actions, making God's presence tangible to those around him.

Symbolism of Directional Placement

Beit-El to the West: Represents the setting sun, symbolizing the concealment of divine light in exile, yet still a place of holiness.
Ai to the East: Signifies impending challenges (as Ai later resisted Bnei Yisrael), showing Avram's readiness to confront spiritual obstacles.
Mountain in Between: Reflects Avram's elevated role as a mediator between divine ideals and human struggles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 12:8 mean when it says Avraham 'called upon the name of the Lord'?
A: According to Rashi, this means Avraham publicly proclaimed Hashem's name and taught people about belief in one G-d. He spread awareness of Hashem's presence in the world, which was revolutionary at that time when idol worship was prevalent.

Q: Why did Avraham build an altar in Genesis 12:8?
A: The Rambam explains that Avraham built altars to offer sacrifices to Hashem as expressions of gratitude and devotion. This particular altar near Beit-El was significant because it marked his continued commitment to serving Hashem as he traveled through Canaan.

Q: What is the significance of Avraham pitching his tent between Beit-El and Ai in Genesis 12:8?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avraham strategically positioned himself between these two places to reach both populations with his message of monotheism. Beit-El ('House of G-d') later became an important spiritual center, showing how Avraham's actions had lasting impact.

Q: How does Avraham's journey in Genesis 12:8 relate to Jewish life today?
A: Just as Avraham made Hashem's presence known wherever he went, Jews today are meant to sanctify G-d's name in all places. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) derives from this that we should emulate Avraham by making spiritual 'altars' - creating spaces for holiness in our daily lives.

Q: Why does the Torah mention the directions (east/west) in Genesis 12:8?
A: Rashi explains that the precise geographical details show Avraham was consciously retracing his steps from his earlier journey (Genesis 12:5-6). This teaches that spiritual growth often involves revisiting and elevating previous experiences, a concept later developed in Kabbalah.