Ask Llama — “Step One Opens The Way” (Parshat Lech Lecha)

Episode summary

Llama, Noam, and Tali roll out a hilariously long map, hop into the llama chariot, and explore why starting with one small, brave step can open the path ahead. They visit the bustling gates of Haran where Avram begins his journey, then whoosh to the Red Sea to witness courage in action. Along the way they model a gentle traveler’s prayer, laugh about slippery llama socks, and invite kids to try their own safe “Step One.”

Big question

Why begin a journey when you don’t know the whole map?

Age range

5–8 (family and classroom friendly)

Learning goals

1. Understand Avram’s first step in Parshat Lech Lecha as a model of trust.

2. Hear how a brave first step helped open the way at the sea.

3. Practice a kid-sized traveler’s prayer with mindfulness and safety.

4. Notice that a “small lamp” of guidance is enough to begin.

Key moments

• School hallway map opening scene and llama chariot launch

• Haran city gate: “Lech Lecha” is introduced and explained

• Rashi’s idea: the journey is for Avram and Sarai’s good

• Mindful traveler’s prayer beat

• Time jump to the seashore: Nachshon’s brave step and the miracle

• The Lama Quiz (three questions) and three-point recap

• Take-home challenge: tell us a short story about a journey that felt scary

Tanakh and classic sources referenced in the episode

Torah (Chumash)

• Bereishit/Genesis 12:1 — “Lech Lecha… go forth from your land…” (Parshat Lech Lecha)

• Shemot/Exodus 14 (narrative context) — Crossing the Sea (Yam Suf), the people step into the waters

Ketuvim (Writings)

• Tehillim/Psalms 119:105 — “Ner l’ragli d’varecha v’or l’netivati” (Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path)

Rabbinic references for grown-ups and teachers

• Rashi on Bereishit 12:1 — “Lehanat’cha u’letovat’cha” (for your benefit and good)

• Sotah 37a and Midrash Shemot Rabbah 21:9 — Nachshon ben Aminadav steps into the sea

• Berakhot 29b–30a (Tefilat Ha-Derech, traveler’s p