"He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant."

Genesis 18:3-5

Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, November 8th, is Parashat Vayera. In this week’s Torah reading, Vayera, angels visit Abraham and Sarah, informing them that Sarah would give birth to a child despite her advanced age. The angels whisk Lot and his daughters out of Sodom, and overturn and destroy the entire region. Abimelech, king of the Philistines, attempts to make Sarah part of his harem, but through divine intervention she is released unharmed. Isaac is born and Ishmael is expelled from Abraham’s household. Abraham makes a peace treaty with Abimelech. The story of the “Binding of Isaac” is recounted – Isaac’s “near-sacrifice” experience.

Join us in exploring the Weekly Bible Chapter: Like Ephraim And Menashe: The Power Of A Grandparent’s Blessing with Rabbi Avraham Norin, and let’s learn and reflect together! 

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Vayera, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Lech Lecha. Watch it below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Richard Booker have to share.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell 
Root Source Founders

Abraham’s tenth trial – returning from the Akeda to negotiate Sarah’s burial with Efron the Hittite – embodies perhaps his most difficult test. After experiencing ultimate spiritual intimacy at the binding of Isaac, touching the very heights of divine connection, Abraham must descend into petty haggling, forced politeness, and repeated bowing before local merchants. The trial isn’t the grief itself but the banal logistics of daily life after touching the infinite. Here lies the profound irony: for many people, these seemingly small frustrations prove harder to bear than life-threatening crises. It is precisely in the mundane slog of existence – not in dramatic moments – that faith faces its deepest challenge.

Conversations: 

Gidon Ariel and Richard Booker - 

January 11, 2025

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Sister Georjean Allenbach from last week's Weekly Torah Reading, "Parashat Lech Lecha": 

"Trusting and believing in Hashem… oh that our world would grasp this a new today. We continually pray for Israel and for those who make Aliyah. To relive the promise in the Land of Israel!!! Glory. Our hearts are with you!!!"

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