Click for this TableTalk

DIVINE INTUITION

Excerpted from Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky’s talk

The importance of these parshios is that they introduce us to the Fathers and Mothers of our nation. They are the foundation of our people and as such, as we gain insight into their strengths and their personalities we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

As I read our Parsha, Vayeira, I am struck with a quandary. When HaShem informs Avraham of the impending destruction of Sodom, he pleads with HaShem to spare them. Later, when Ha-Shem instructs Avraham to bring his son Yitzchok as an offering he complies with not a word on behalf of his only beloved son! How do we make sense of this?

Click for this TableTalk

THE PAINTER’S SOUL IN HIS BRUSH

In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we find the degree of love that Avraham had for HaKadosh baruch Hu. When instructed by HaShem to bring his son as an offering, Avraham woke up early and saddled his donkey by himself. This is equivalent to the President of the United States going out to fill his limousine with gas. Avraham was a world class statesman who won the respect of all dignitaries in the world. He was the greatest warrior on Planet Earth. He was among the richest people living in his time. Why did he do it himself? Our Sages teach us that his love for HaKadosh baruch Hu was so great that he wanted to be involved in every step of the journey. It is no wonder that Avraham is called by HaShem Avraham, My beloved.

How does one come to love HaKadosh baruch Hu? Rambam gives us simple directions as follows.