Vayera
Gen. 18:1-22:24
Précis: God “appeared” (vayera) to Abraham in the form of three travelers to whom Abraham shows hospitality. They promise the birth of Isaac, overheard by Sarah (who laughs). God reveals His plans for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham argues for its salvation for the sake of any innocents who might dwell there. The scene shifts to Sodom where Lot lives, and he and his family are rescued first from an unruly mob and then from the destruction of the city itself. Lot’s wife glances back and turns into the pillar of salt. His daughters, fearing that they are the last females alive, make Lot drunk and engage in sexual relations with him, later giving birth to founders of the tribes of Moab and Ammon (traditional adversaries of the Israelites).
Back with Abraham, Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac. She becomes unhappy with the continued presence of Ishmael and prevails upon Abraham to expel Ishmael and Hagar from the household, which he does (after being promised by God that Ishmael, too, will be the father of a great nation). Thereafter, the story continues with the attempted sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, called “the Akedah” (the Binding of Isaac).
Gen. 18:1-3 “Adonai appeared to him at the terebinths of Mamre. And Abraham raised his eyes and saw, and behold, three men were standing before him. He saw, and he ran toward them from the tent flap and bowed to the ground.”
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky suggests that if people don't feel comfortable in the community, they won't stay long enough to enjoy its richness. (MyJewishLearning.com, 11/4/14).
Abraham espies 3 “men” (who are perhaps angels) and rushes off to provide hospitality, even though it is only a few days following his own circumcision. After they are fed a rich repast (far more than he had promised), he walks with them as they set out for Sodom.
Olitzky states that welcoming of strangers should be our model for what it takes to make people feel welcome in our communities, in our homes, congregations and in our communal organizations. Abraham didn't delay, but rushed out to greet the strangers.
Our tradition informs us that the Torah text does not waste words: they are there to provide details. Here, the moral lesson is making sure that our guests are made comfortable. However, making guests comfortable is not the end of our task. Unless we continue to engage them, they may not be with us long enough to truly become part of our families and our communities.
