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Chaya Sora 5785
Vayera 5785
Lech Licha 5785
Noach 5785
Simchas Toarh Breishis 5785

Vayera 5785

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YouParsha Vayera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7GNEdZPEog&t=86s The Binding of Isaac – The Back Story

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Parshas Vayera, Genesis 18 -22, continues the trials of the Patriarch Avrohom. In this Parsha, Avrohom disassociates himself with two of his relatives; his nephew Lot and his son from a concubine - Yishmoel. Avrohom was the epitome of kindness. Three days after his circumcision, Avrohom felt great pain at not having guests upon whom he could bestow his kindness. His tent was open on four sides to facilitate easy access by guests. Yet his own family was turned away?

Absolute kindness is not a good thing. A person who expresses total unbridled kindness would be found in one of two places; a prison or an insane asylum. Avrohom's kindness would have been directed to the wrong place had he not sent Lot and Yishmoel away. When G'd informed Avrohom he was to have Yitschok from his wife Sara to be the progenitor of the Jewish people, Avrohom's response was, "If only Yishmoel were worthy."

The Alter Rebbe - First Lubavitcher Rebbe - explains that disowning Lot and Yishmoel were part of the purification process. Gold contains dross that must be removed in order to make fine gold. Lot and Yishmoel were Avrohom's dross. Included in our prayers is praise for the Almighty who "shields Avrohom." The shield protects Avrohom from outside forces but also protects us that Divine kindness - Avrohom, be directed to us and not to Yishmoel and Lot.

The Final purification of the dross comes through the descendants of Lot and Yishmoel. Lot slept with his two daughters after the destruction of Sodom. Ruth, grandmother of king David, was a descendant of Moav - Lot's son. Moshiach is a grandchild of David. With the advent of Moshiach, the children of Yishmoel will do teshuva and acquiesce to the reign of the Jewish Monarch. This is the ultimate purification of Avrohom.

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Avrohom went to visit his son Yishmoel after many years of not seeing him. He approached his tent and was accosted by the lady sitting there. "What do you want old man?" She snapped. "Is this the tent of Yishmoel?" asked Avrohom. "It is." She responded, "but he's not here. GO AWAY!" To which Avrohom responded, "Tell your master Yishmoel that an old man came to visit and he is unhappy with the opening of Yishmoel's tent."

A year passed and Avrohom again went to visit his son. A different woman sat at the entrance to his tent. "Can I help you father?" She inquired. "Is this Yishmoel's tent?" asked Avrohom. "It is," came the reply, "but he is not here. Can you come in and I will get you something to eat and you can relax until he returns?" Avrohom responded, "No thank you. Please tell your husband that an old man was here and now likes the opening of Yishmoel's tent."

Yishmoel had not seen Avrohom for many years. Yet, at the slightest hint of displeasure, Yishmoel divorced his wife and married one that fit into Avrohom's values.

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