Vayera

Genesis 18:1-22:24

Kings 4:1-37

Peter 2:4-11

Abraham’s life: although we have scant information before the command to go forth into the Promised Land (make Aliyah) we do have a significant number of episodes which took place between the time he was 75 and 137.

I. Lech Lecha (12-13)

A. Abraham’s Aliyah (12-19)-leaving father and family

B. Egypt (12: 10-20)-temporary separation from Sarah # 1

C. Parting of ways from Lot (13:1-3)

D. Divine promises of the Land (13:14-18)-settles in Kiryat Arba

II. War of the Kings (14)-capturing Lot

III. B’rit Between the Pieces (15)

IV. Hagar Episode #1 (16)-temporary exile of Hagar

V. B’rit Milah (17)-promise of Isaac and rejection of Ishmael

VI. Abraham and Sodom (18-19)

A. Visitors to Abraham’s tent (18:1-15)

B. Abraham plea for Sodom (18:16-33)

C. Destruction of Sodom (19:1-29)

D. Lot and his daughters (19:30-38)

VII. Abraham in G’rar (20)-temporary separation from Sarah #2

VIII. Parashot Yitzhak (21-22)

A. Birth of Isaac (21:1-21)-permanent exile of Hagar and Ishmael

B. Pact with Philistines (21:22-34)

C. Akedah (Binding of Isaac 22:1-19)-near death of Isaac

D. Announcement of Birth of Rivkah (22:20-24)

With all the above to go thru in our readings this week the one thing that really strikes me is from Genesis 18. We read how Abraham teaches us to live. Instead of complaining of the pain after going thru surgery of circumcision, he exhibits the joy of living. Instead of being downcast and complaining of his pain he shows life and concern for others. He wants to serve, not to be served when he sees the three strangers approaching his camp and current home. Further, we see how he stands in the gap by interceding for his nephew Lot when he is informed by the man he calls Lord, that the city of Sodom is about to be destroyed. Abraham is willing to stand in prayer and supplication for his nephew by asking that the city where Lot lives would be saved, though the people there are totally corrupt. Abraham, unlike Jonah, did not run the other way because he did not like the people who lived in Sodom. He did not run thinking that G-d would have mercy on these corrupt evil people, therefore he wanted no part in their salvation. No, Abraham sought the salvation of all so that his nephew, Lot, would be rescued. Abraham knew that G-d does not want to destroy His creation, but that all should come and repent and turn from their wicked ways.

We, therefore, need to catch the zeal, the zest for life for our family and for all who are “asleep” but who need awakening and repentance. Let us all stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). Be a watchman (Nehemiah 7:3; Isaiah 62:6; Jeremiah 6;17).

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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