Vayeira

When Is Vayeira Read?

November 16, 2024 / 15 Heshvan 5785

November 8, 2025 / 17 Heshvan 5786

October 31, 2026 / 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.

More Vayeira Commentaries

Cultivating Hope

Angel Spotting

Letting Abraham's Example Guide Us, During Election Season and Beyond

The Mitzvah of Lying

Sacrifice My Son? What Was I Thinking?

Judge a Society by Its Hospitality

Vayeira for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps

Covenantal Models of Protest and Submission

Hearing the Cries of Mothers and Children

Rereading the Akeidah: Three Perspectives

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.