Va-Yera
Parshat Va-Yera
Last week’s portion ended with the promise that Abraham and Sarah would have a child of their own. This morning we read about the fulfillment of that promise. Angels come to Abraham’s tent to inform him of the good news. In a year’s time Isaac would be born.
First Aliyah Genesis chapter - 18:1-14 pp. 99-101
Three angels report to Abraham. Sarah overhears and laughs at the thought of two old people having a child. God informs Abraham that nothing is beyond God’s capability.
Second Aliyah - 18:15-33 pp. 101-104
God decides to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the wickedness of the inhabitants. Abraham tries to persuade God not to destroy the cities for the sake of 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or even ten righteous people.
Third Aliyah - 19:1-20 pp. 104-107
Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lives in Sodom with his family. The angels proceed to Sodom to warn Lot of the impending disaster. They tell him to take his family out of the city.
Fourth Aliyah - 19:21-21:4 pp. 107-113
God commands Lot and his family not to look back while the city is being destroyed. Lot’s wife disobeys and is turned into a pillar of salt.
Abraham continues on his travels around the land of Canaan. Upon arriving at Gerar, Abraham tells Sarah to say that she is his sister so that he will not be killed by the men of Gerar who would want to take Sarah. This is a parallel story to the one in last week’s reading.
Fifth Aliyah - 21:5-21 pp. 113-115
Isaac is born and becomes a playmate of his step-brother Ishmael. Sarah is upset and tells Abraham to expel Ishmael and his mother Hagar. Abraham reluctantly agrees. As compensation God promises to make Ishmael into a great nation.
Sixth Aliyah -21:22-34 pp. 116-117
An alliance is made between Abraham and Avimclech. The location of the acceptance of the treaty is known today as Beer-Sheba.
Seventh Aliyah - 22:1-24 pp. 117-122
God tests Abraham for the final time. God commands Abraham to take Isaac to the top of a mountain and sacrifice him. It is a test of true faith and loyalty. Abraham is about to bring the knife down on his son’s neck when an angel stops him at the last second. Abraham thus proves that he is truly devoted to God.
Maftir - 22:20-24 pp. 121-122
Haftorah - II Kings 4:1-37 pp. 124-126
This selection from the prophets describes three events in the life of the prophet Elisha. Elisha is known to be a miracle worker and these are just some of the deeds attributed to him. Among them we read how an older couple is destined to have a child - parallel to Abraham and Sarah.
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