From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, November 7, 8, 2025/16, 17 Cheshvan 5786
The Torah continues with Abraham greeting three visiting strangers and shows them hospitality. Abraham intercedes for the city of Sodom but is unsuccessful. Lot escapes destruction, but his wife turns to a pillar of salt. An alliance between Abraham and Avimelech, Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, Sarah asks Abraham to send Ishamael away, due to his bad influence on Isaac. Abraham is tested by G-d, asked to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac.
Judaic concepts and values are Hospitality, Justice and Compassion, Merit of the few, and G-d tests people.
Mitzvot: Visiting the sick, and Hospitality.
G-d tests people. Abraham is tested by G-d , by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. The Torah does not state exactly why G-s is testing Abraham. One could say it is a test of Abraham’s faith that G-d will not go back on His promise? Or is it to test Abraham’s unquestioning obedience to the divine will, his faithfulness rather than his faith? Perhaps the test is both faith and faithfulness, which together represents emunah /quality of obedience and complete trust.
Maimonides writes that G-d tested Abraham precisely because He knew that Abraham would pass the test. Abraham’s faith in G-d becomes a beacon to other nations.
The Haftarah tells of the prophet Elisha, who lived in the ninth century B.C.E. who was known for his kindness and hospitality. The parallel between the Torah and Haftarah points to prophet Elisha, like Abraham, both seeked out every opportunity to practice Gemilut Chasidim/ righteous actions of lovingkindness and bring relief and blessing wherever they went.
May all try to strive to do Gemilut Chasidim. This Sabbath is Shabbat around the world. May each try to embrace the gift of Shabbat from G-d by not using our devices. Lighting our Sabbath candles, Kiddush and Challah blessings, having a delicious Shabbat meal with family or friends, or even alone will bring inner peace into one’s neshamah/soul. On Shabbat morning try walking around and reciting some prayers.Truly, look around us this Sabbath and see all that G-d gives us. Most important is to have true rest to help us rejuvenate ourselves for the coming week.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
