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Eliezer’s Oath So it was that the field of Ephron, in Machpelah, which was facing Mamre, came into Avraham’s possession, including the field’s cave and trees. This transfer of the field from a simple person to a “king” like Avraham, elevated the field. Chet’s sons and all who were within the gates of the cityContinue reading “Chayei Sarah, 2nd Aliya”

Sarah’s Burial Plot Sarah became so distressed when she heard that her son Itzchak was being prepared for slaughter as a sacrifice, that her soul left her body and she passed away. This is why the story of her passing is related right after the story of the binding of Itzchak. Sarah lived to beContinue reading “Chayei Sarah, 1st Aliya”

The Binding of Yitzchak After all of “these things”*, G-d tests Avraham.*Side note: The Hebrew word for “things” (“דְּבָרִ֣ים”) is the same as for “word”. There are different interpretations as to what “these things (or “words”)” is referring to: 1) According to one opinion (Sanheidrin 89b), this is a reference to the “words” of SatanContinue reading “Vayeira, 7th Aliya”

Covenant of the Wells Due to seeing how Avraham emerged unharmed from out of Sodom, how he overcame all of the kings that he fought and how his wife gave birth at such an old age, Avimelech and his general Pichol told Avraham that G-d is with him in whatever he does. They went onContinue reading “Vayeira, 6th Aliya”

Itzchak and Ishmael Avraham was 100 years old when Itzchak was born. Sarah declared that G-d had made joy for her and that everyone who hears about it will rejoice (in Hebrew . יִצְחַק (Yitzchak)) for her. Indeed on the day that she gave birth, many other women conceived who were previously unable to, manyContinue reading “VaYeira, 5th Aliya”

Lot is Saved. Encounter with Avimelech. Yitzchak is Born. G-d conceded to Lot’s request to go to Zoar, and reassured him that not only will he be saved, but G-d will save the entire city of Zoar on his behalf. Earlier, in Breishis 19:13, the angels neglected to mention that G-d was behind destroying Sodom,Continue reading “Vayeira, 4th Aliya”

Sodom and Lot In the text of the scripture, the angels who came to Avraham disguised as men are sometimes referred to as “angels” and sometimes as “men”. Rashi gives two explanations for this disparity: So two of these angels/men were to go out to Sodom to carry out G-d’s plan for the city. HoweverContinue reading “Vayeira, 3rd Aliya”

Avraham Bargains With G-d Out of fear, Sarah denied that she laughed, but G-d affirmed that she did laugh. The angels got up to leave, looking towards Sodom. Avraham, thinking they were travelers, escorted them. G-d decided that it was not right that He hide that He was about to destroy Sodom from Avraham, asContinue reading “Vayeira, 2nd Aliya”

Visitors Three days after Avraham circumcised himself, G-d paid a visit to him to see how he was doing, as one would visit the sick. Avraham was located in the plains of Mamre (who was the man who advised Avraham regarding his circumcision). Avraham sat at the entrance to his tent, so he could noticeContinue reading “Vayeira, 1st Aliya”

The Covenant of Circumcision G-d continues, telling Avram that He will set up an everlasting covenant between Avram and his progeny to be their G-d and will give them the land of Canaan to have eternally. There in the land of Israel, G-d will be a G-d for them. From which Rashi extrapolates that oneContinue reading “Lech Lecha, 7th Aliya”