Ep. 32 - The Illusion of Control: Abraham's Journey to Canaan

When G-d tells Abraham "Go for yourself from your land, from your relatives, and from your father's house to the land I will show you," there's a problem: Abraham doesn't know which direction to turn. Right or left? East or west? The text says G-d will "show" him the land - future tense - yet somehow Abraham knows exactly where to go.

This apparent contradiction opens up one of the most profound lessons in the Torah: the world we think we control is largely an illusion.

Rabbi Epstein reveals how Abraham already visited the Land of Israel at age 70 for the Covenant of the Parts, making this directive at age 75 about something deeper than geography…it's about permanent commitment. You'll discover what it means that Abraham had to leave three layers of influence: his land's culture, his birthplace's perspective, and his father's home. Rabbi Epstein illustrates that we live in a world of spiritual cause and effect that defies our logic of control.

The episode unpacks why this counts as one of Abraham's ten tests even though G-d promises fame, fortune, and family. Tests aren't about difficulty—they're about whether we trust G-d when His directives contradict worldly logic. You'll also learn the reason the land of Israel was called Canaan - from the Hebrew root for humility. True humility isn't denying your gifts. It's recognizing where they come from and what they're for. And true faith means moving forward even when the blessing defies the path.