From The Rabbis Study…Shabbat, November 15,16, 2024/14,15 CHeshvan 5785
The Torah portion is Vayera, which continues with Abraham receiving three visiting strangers and shows them hospitality. Abraham intercedes for the city of Sodom, but is unsuccessful. Lot escapes destruction, but his wife turns into a pillar of salt. There was an alliance made between Abraham and Avimelech. Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. Sarah asks Abraham to send Ishmael away, because of his bad influence on Isaac. Abraham is tested by G-d, asked to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac.
As the Book of Genesis continues with the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, one reads their life’s story, the challenges, their inner thoughts and choices made, the speaking with G-d (each one has conversations with G-d), and the values of mitzvot (each one already practiced the Torah even before Mount Sinai).
Most people around the world are welcoming of family, friends, and strangers. The Jewish people (Hachnasat Orchim/hospitality). Just recently we celebrated Sukkot and Jews around the world invited guests into their sukkahs (each night a different couple would be invited from our ancestors). One reads also of the values of justice and compassion. Justice Is not only the ethical quality in G-d or man, but for all the other qualities. Compassion in the Jewish values ranks high. That G-d tests human beings may be seen throughout the Torah chapters and verses.
I pointed out that the names of people are important. The name chosen for Sarah’s son comes from her laughter at the information that she will become a mother. Yitzak in Hebrew means to LAUGH!
Noah never asked G-d for anything when hearing that G-d was to destroy the world, except for Noah’s immediate family members. Noah did not ask for his parents, siblings or his wife, Naamit (sweetness) family members. There is so much of that chapter, however this Sabbath everyone will be reading Abraham. Abraham not only questions G-d, he PLEADS with G-d, he bargains with the Almighty! Abraham points out to G-d, if he is the G-d of justice. Will the G-d of justice kill the innocent with the guilty?
The story of Sodom where his nephew lived. Abraham starts with 50 people, and keeps asking G-d until G-d had enough. If Abraham could find ten good people He would spare Sodom, however there were not even ten good people. This is NOT why Jews need Ten people for a minyan (SPOILER ALERT: comes later in the Torah).
Why was Lot’s wife turned to a pillar of salt? When the Strangers arrived at Lot’s house she did not kindly welcome them or give them salt with their food when dwelling in their home. She was told of the coming of the destruction and not to look back, but she turned back to look and became a pillar of salt. If you visit the Dead Sea and have a great guide, they will point out Lot’s wife/Pillar of Salt!
May we continue to strive to be Dugmahot (role models) by showing hospitality whether through visiting those that are sick or by giving to others in need.
On Shabbat I mentioned about the Israeli that visited our congregation and returned to Israel. I spoke with Omer Levy if he would like to work with an American group sending supplies to Israel known as Terri’s Angels? He agreed. I made the connections. He was asked by a person at the JFK airport airport, if you needed anything else? Omer replied that the IDF are out of drones (small ones that go into tunnels or buildings). Please write to your Congress members to release the weapons for Israel. Each letter or email shows that American Jews are standing Strong with Israel!
The Jewish people living on Long Island made a generous contribution to DRONES! Omer Levy helped deliver many bags and the 300th huge bag from Terri’s Angels! I know some of you are knitting IDF hats, they are still in need. Please pray for Commander Omer Levy and the IDF that are fighting now in Lebanon that they stay safe and have B’hatzlacha/continued success in all their endeavors!
This past week in Amsterdam at a soccer match with Israelis and Dutch players was a horrific attack upon the Jewish players, fans and Jews in the community. This was an Anti-Semitic attack. Pray for those that were injured. Israel sent planes to take all the players and Jews back to Israel! Once again I wrote and spoke up against this Anti-Semitic attacks, please let your voices be heard, too.
As Elie Wiesel told me, “keep working on behalf of the Jewish people, Never Be Silent, and NEVER FORGET!”
Shabbat Shalom v’ AM YSRAEL CHAI,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
