Lech Lecha — Trusting the Journey

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Parashat Lech Lecha • Genesis 12:1–17:27

“Go forth to the land that I will show you.” — Genesis 12:1

This week’s Torah portion begins with an invitation: Lech Lecha — “Go forth.”
A simple phrase, yet one that calls us to step into the unknown, to trust the unfolding path, and to find holiness in the act of journeying itself. Lech Lecha reminds us that faith often begins with uncertainty, and invites each of us to trust the journey even when we cannot see where it will lead.

My illustration for Genesis 12:1, and my prayer “Not Knowing,” from my soon-to-be-released book Illuminated Journey, both explore that sacred space between fear and faith, uncertainty and trust.

Prayer for the Week: Not Knowing

(A Prayer for Parasha 3: Lech Lecha)

Source of All,
My heart is whispering directions
to a place I do not know,
and I’m afraid to go.

Guide me on my journey.
Help me realize
that it is not essential
to know precisely
where I am headed,
to set forth.

Strengthen my ability
to be comfortable with uncertainty,
and to stay calm even when
I cannot clearly see the path ahead.

From My Studio: A Sneak Peek at Illuminated Journey

I’m excited to share that I just received the advance copy of my new book, Illuminated Journey!

The book’s cover design was inspired by my Lech Lecha illustration—it features a similar winding path, symbolizing the spiritual and creative journeys that shape our lives.

Illuminated Journey is a coffee-table book that includes all 54 weekly Torah portions, each paired with an original prayer and illuminated interpretation, plus a section on Visual Midrash and examples of my creative process. It will be available in January 2026, with pre-orders opening in November.

Ashkenazi Jews & BRCA: Know Your Risk

As I’ve been walking alongside my daughter through her diagnosis of stage four, triple-negative breast cancer, I’ve learned that 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carries a BRCA gene mutation — approximately ten times the rate of the general population.

This mutation can affect both women and men, increasing the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma cancers. Even if only one parent or grandparent is of Ashkenazi descent, the risk remains.

Please take a moment to review this infographic and share it widely. It could save someone’s life.

I would be grateful if you would include my daughter, Samantha Trattner (Shira Natanya bat Yocheved), in your Mi Shebeirach lists and personal prayers for healing. This is a challenging time in our family’s journey, and community support makes a difference.

Resources for Jewish Breast Cancer Awareness

Although this is the last day of October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—there’s never a bad time to share information, educate, and connect people with support.
Here are some valuable resources to explore and share:

JOURNEY

(An Illustrated Prayer)

Holy Guide,
I am standing here
at the crossroads
of Being and Becoming,
seeking the courage
to set forth
when I do not know
where to go.

Allow me to
sojourn into
s p a c i o u s n e s s,
and open my heart
to the blessing of this moment.

May I embrace the opportunity
to explore new directions
and be fully present
to the love and the pain,
the hope and the joy,
and the challenges
that arise on my journey.

Journaling Prompts

  1. When have you felt called to begin a journey without knowing the outcome?
  2. What helps you move forward when fear or uncertainty holds you back?
  3. How do you recognize the inner voice that says “go forth”?
  4. What have you discovered on your journey this past year?
  5. In what ways might you deepen your trust in the unfolding path?

Closing Blessing

May you have the courage to trust the quiet whispers of your heart.
May you step forward in faith, even when the path ahead is hidden.
And may your journey unfold with purpose, light, and blessing.