Ramaz Lower School Shabbazine - Parshat Vayera 5785

November 16, 2024 · ה״פשת

A PEEK AT THE PARSHA

Parshat Vayera begins with Avraham sitting at the entrance of his tent, when he sees three men approaching. These "men" are actually angels sent by Hashem. Avraham, always kind and welcoming, runs to greet them, offering them water to wash their feet and food to eat. He invites them into his home, showing us the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality). One of the angels tells Avraham that Sarah, despite being very old, will have a son within the year.Sarahlaughsindisbelief,butHashemassures her that nothing is impossible for Him.

Next, Hashem tells Avraham that He plans to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because their

ONE BIG IDEA

In ParshatVayera, we learn about Avraham’s amazing kindness when he welcomes three guests into his tent. Even though he was recovering from a painful brit milah (circumcision), Avraham rushed to greet them, offered them shade, and prepared a delicious meal. From Avraham, we learn the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim - welcoming guests with a full heart. He didn’t wait to be asked; he noticed they might need help and took action. This reminds us that even small acts, like sharing a snack or being friendly, can make others feel valued. Avraham’s kindness inspires us to treat everyone warmly.

people are very wicked. Avraham, who cares about all people, tries to save the cities by asking Hashem if He would spare them for the sake of fifty righteous people, then forty-five, and so on, all the way down to ten. Sadly, there are not even ten righteous people, and the cities are destroyed. However, Avraham’s nephew, Lot, is saved because of Avraham’s merit.

Avraham moves to Gerar. Sarah is taken captive by King Avimelech. Hashem comes to Avimelech in a dream and warns him to return Sarah to Avraham. Avimelech returns Sarah and gives her gifts to bring back to Avraham.

Avraham, at 100 years old, and Sarah, at 90 years old, give birth to a baby boy: Yitzchak. Yitzchak is the first Jewish boy to have his brit milah at 8 days old.

The next story in the parsha is Akeidat Yitzchak, the Binding of Yitzchak. Hashem commands Avraham to take his beloved son, Yitzchak, to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. Even though this is the hardest test imaginable, Avraham obeys Hashem without hesitation, showing his complete trust and faith in Hashem. Avraham is about to sacrifice Yitzchak, Hashem stops him and provides a ram as a substitute. This teaches us the importance of emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem.

Candle-lighting: 4:19pm

Havdalah: 5:15pm allah: 5:25pm

PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?

Mitzvot………………………….. 0

Lines in the Torah ..............252 (5th most)

Pesukim .............................147 (7th most)

Words ................................2085 (2nd most)

Letters................................7862 (3rd most)

Year(s)................................2047-2085

(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)

There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. There isn’t much disagreement about that number. But did you know that there is a disagreement about how many of the 613 mitzvot are in Sefer Breishit? Some people say there are 2 and some say there are 3. The 3 possible mitzvot are: that a husband and wife should have children, a boy should have a Brit Milah, and we shouldn’t eat the sciatic nerve of an animal. The disagreement isn’t about whether or not those are mitzvot. But since the Torah mentions Brit Milah in Sefer Vayikra also, some count it there and not in SeferBreishit

CHECKLIST

To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.

 Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”

 Went to shul

 Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon

 Sang zemirot/songs

 Wore Shabbat clothing

 Helped prepare our home for Shabbat

Full Name: ______________________________

Class: __________________________________

Parent Signature: _________________________

QUESTIONS

1. How many mitzvot are there in Sefer Breishit?

2. Thought question: How could Avraham argue with Hashem about the need to destroy Hashem? Can WE argue with Hashem?

3. True or False: Parshat Vayera is one of the biggest parshiot in the Torah.

4. Action Item: Do the mitzvah of Hachnassat orchim over this weekend.

5. What animal does Avraham sacrifice instead of Yitzchak? What do we do on Rosh Hashana because of that animal?