Youth at Risk and This Week’s Torah Portion (Vayero)

Through the book of Genesis, the narrative focuses first on the ancestors of mankind and then upon the ancestors of the Jewish people. After an initial compelling story, those whose history parted with that of the Jewish people such as Ishmael and Esau fade out with a detailed genealogy that is devoid of personal narrative in the written text.

A particular compelling story in this week’s Torah portion is that of Hagar and Yishmael, who was sent away at Sarah’s urging by Abraham, as detailed in this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayero (Bereshis 21:8-20. Bereshis 21:8-20

I have always found the emotions and events in this week’s parsha vividly compelling. Even as I accepted the need for sending away Ishmael, I was always haunted by this set of biblical imagery.

As I assumed the responsibilities of fatherhood, my empathy with the suffering of Yishmael and Hagar became almost painful. One day, the doors of a yeshiva closed behind me and one of my children. We left with heavy hearts and a refund check.

Rebbe, Why Does G-d Create Evil?

The following is a fascinating Yechidus of the Rebbe that took place in the winter of 5722/1962. To learn More about the Rebbe Vsit: www.inspiringageneration.org

Question: How would you define Judaism in a nutshell?

The Weekly Sedra – Parshas Vayeira!

The Rebbe says:

1. This week’s Torah portion tells us about how Avraham Avinu (Abraham our forefather) was the first and only Jew in this world and the whole world was against him . However once the people saw how Hashem (G-d) was with Avraham Avinu in all that he did and protected him from any harm, even Avimelech King of the Philistines wanted to make a covenant of peace with Avraham Avinu .

Towards the end of the Torah’s description of Avraham Avinu’s life in the land of the Philistines the Torah tells us that Avraham Avinu planted an “Eishel – (simply translated as) a tree” there , he publicized G-dliness and faith there , and he lived there for many days. Immediately after this the Torah begins discussing the Akeida (the Binding of Isaac) .

2. The Rebbe now questions the Torah’s narration of this story with the intention of uncovering the Torah’s deep messages:

The Weekly Sedra – Vayera – A Foot In Each World – Sitting On The Fence Syndrome

Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense in fighting
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees no sense at all
Sitting on a fence is a man who strokes his twenty beards
Sitting on a fence is a man who drinks real ale
But the real problem with this man
Is he says he can’t when he can
He’d rather not get his hands dirty
He’ll still be there when he’s thirty
I told myself to keep my mouth shut
But I still end up saying if and but
I lied to myself right from the start
And I’ve just worked out that I’m falling apart
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks up to his guardian
Sitting on a fence is a man who swings from poll to poll
Sitting on a fence is a man who sees both sides of both sides
Sitting on a fence is a man who looks down on opinion
But the real problem with this man . . .