Parashat Vayeira contains some of the most well-known and controversial texts in the book of Genesis, including the Akedah. These words remind us that no matter how strongly we feel about our principles, we cannot sacrifice our fellow human beings to realize them.
In my experience as a living, breathing human being, regardless of gender, age, or orientation there is only one correct answer to the question, “Honey, does this outfit look OK?” The answer comes from the Torah in this week’s portion Vayeira, and is attributed to no greater authority than God: it is to say whatever is necessary to make the person in the outfit feel good about themselves and supported by you. Even if that means you have to lie, it is a mitzvah!
Did you ever wonder what Abraham thought about in the years following his “almost-sacrifice” of his son Isaac? In this midrashic monologue based on Parashat Vayeira, we imagine Abraham’s inner struggles:
In Vayeira, The people of Sodom and Gommorah are depicted as inhospitable, and even cruel, in their treatment of visitors and the poor. We can learn to become an open, welcoming society by following the opposite of their example.
In this parasha, three visitors come to tell Abraham (his new name) that Sarah (her new name) will have a son. They can’t believe it! But Abraham is angry that God wants to destroy two nations and makes a pact with God to save them. Listen to find out what happens to Lot’s wife and Sarah’s son – it’s a lot!
Torah Commentary
Letting Abraham's Example Guide Us, During Election Season and Beyond
The Mitzvah of Lying
In my experience as a living, breathing human being, regardless of gender, age, or orientation there is only one correct answer to the question, “Honey, does this outfit look OK?” The answer comes from the Torah in this week’s portion Vayeira, and is attributed to no greater authority than God: it is to say whatever is necessary to make the person in the outfit feel good about themselves and supported by you. Even if that means you have to lie, it is a mitzvah!
Sacrifice My Son? What Was I Thinking?
Did you ever wonder what Abraham thought about in the years following his “almost-sacrifice” of his son Isaac? In this midrashic monologue based on Parashat Vayeira, we imagine Abraham’s inner struggles:
Judge a Society by Its Hospitality
In Vayeira, The people of Sodom and Gommorah are depicted as inhospitable, and even cruel, in their treatment of visitors and the poor. We can learn to become an open, welcoming society by following the opposite of their example.
Vayeira for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, three visitors come to tell Abraham (his new name) that Sarah (her new name) will have a son. They can’t believe it! But Abraham is angry that God wants to destroy two nations and makes a pact with God to save them. Listen to find out what happens to Lot’s wife and Sarah’s son – it’s a lot!
Pagination