Vayera

📜 The Story

In parshat Vayera, just three days after his bris at ninety nine years old, Hashem appears to Abraham. While Abraham was resting, he saw three travelers approaching, and even though he was still in pain, he ran to greet them. This teaches us the great mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests warmly. Abraham hurried to prepare a feast, and Sarah baked fresh bread, showing how much they loved doing kindness for others.

One of the visitors, who were really angels sent by Hashem, told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within the year. Sarah, listening at the tent door, laughed to herself because she and Abraham were very old. Hashem asked Abraham why Sarah laughed, teaching us that nothing is too wondrous for Hashem to do.

Abraham then learned that Hashem was going to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham prayed and pleaded with Hashem, asking Him to spare the cities if even a small number of righteous people could be found there. This shows Abraham's love for all people and his desire for peace. Two angels went to Sodom and rescued Abraham's nephew Lot and his family, warning them to flee without looking back.

Just as promised, Sarah gave birth to a son, and they named him Yitzchak, which means laughter, because Sarah said Hashem had made her laugh with joy. Abraham gave a great feast when Isaac was weaned. Later, Hagar and her son Ishmael were sent away, but Hashem heard the boy crying and showed Hagar a well of water to save him, promising he would become a great nation too.

The parsha ends with the Akeidah, one of the most important stories in the Torah. Hashem tested Abraham by asking him to bring Isaac as an offering on a mountain. Abraham, ready to do Hashem's will, answered "Hineni," here I am. Just as he raised his hand, an angel called out and stopped him, and Abraham offered a ram instead. Hashem praised Abraham's complete faith and blessed him that his descendants would be as many as the stars.