Vayeira

וַיֵּרָא
I (God) Appeared [to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]

Genesis 18:1–22:24

When Is Vayeira Read?

/ 15 Heshvan 5785
/ 17 Heshvan 5786
/ 20 Heshvan 5787

Summary

  • Abraham welcomes three visitors, who announce that Sarah will soon have a son. (18:1-15)
  • Abraham argues with God about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (18:16-33)
  • Lot's home is attacked by the people of Sodom. Lot and his two daughters escape as the cities are being destroyed. Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt. (19:1-29)
  • Lot impregnates his daughters, and they bear children who become the founders of the nations Moab and Ammon. (19:30-38)
  • Abimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah as his wife after Abraham claims that she is his sister. (20:1-18)
  • Isaac is born, circumcised, and weaned. Hagar and her son, Ishmael, are sent away; an angel saves their lives. (21:1-21)
  • God tests Abraham, instructing him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. (22:1-19)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayeira Commentary

an image of a man standing in the middle of a dirt path that splits into two paths with a mountain in the background

Abraham’s Test and Recognizing Our Need to Change

By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

The Akeidah starts out so innocently, but quickly spins out of control. This is no ordinary test, no ordinary form of service. God asks Abraham to sacrifice the son he loves: Isaac. This is not merely a decree of death for Isaac, but a decree that Isaac die at Abraham's own hands.

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Video: Learn About Parashat Vayeira with Bim Bam

VAYERA: Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah: How Abraham Bargained with God

Sodom was a town filled with wicked people who drank too much, got into mischief and who knows what else. God didn't like it and planned to destroy the city and everyone in it. But then, Abraham decided to try to bargain with God to save his beloved nephew, Lot. Find out what happens in this parashah video featuring "Unorthodox" podcast host Mark Oppenheimer. Enjoy this video and others from Bim Bam.

Listen to Podcasts About Parashat Vayeira

Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs discuss Parashat Vayeira in these episodes of his podcast, On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah.

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