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Vayeira
וַיֵּרָא
I (God) Appeared [to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]
Genesis 18:1–22:24
When Is Vayeira Read?
/ 17 Heshvan 5786
/ 20 Heshvan 5787
/ 20 Heshvan 5788
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)
More Vayeira Commentaries
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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Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayeira Commentary
A Test of Fear, a Quest for Love
By: Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler
The Akeidah story opens with a description of Isaac as the son "asher ahavta" (whom you love) but concludes by lopping off the modifier "whom you love." This suggests a quelling of familial love during Abraham and Isaac's hike up Mount Moriah.
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