This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayeira – וַיֵּרָא (Genesis 18:1–22:24)
“יהוה appeared to him (Avraham)” Genesis 18:1
“Looking up, he (Avraham) saw three figures standing near him. Perceiving this, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them” Genesis 18:2
God appears before Avraham, about to tell Avraham something, however, Avraham at the same time sees three strangers.
Who will Avraham attend to? Who would you choose to greet first?
Avraham choses the strangers, teaching us (As Maimonides comments on this verse) that hospitality to strangers surpasses attending to God.
Humans come first, always.
Parsha Vayeira – וַיֵּרָא Torah 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)
Vayeira – וַיֵּרָא
