Next?

At first glance, Parshat Vayeira is a direct continuation of Parshat Lech Lecha. In Parshat Lech Lecha we read of Avraham’s journeys, disputes, and family life. In Parshat Vayeira, the story continues, as we read more about the life and times of the first Jew.

The Torah, however, is not a history book. It is a source of valuable teachings and inspiration to guide us in our service of G-d. So we could not possibly just be reading two “installments” of Avraham’s story. Each Parsha is a self-contained entity in itself, with its own unique message.

The basic distinction between the two is that Parshat Vayeira describes Avraham’s life and efforts after being circumcised.

Circumcision is not only a mitzvah – a particular method of connecting to G-d – but, more importantly, a covenant, i.e. it encapsulates the message of Judaism in general.

There is a basic principle of Judaism that spirituality should not be relegated to the abstract higher spheres of existence. Instead, the Torah’s principles need to become tangible and apparent in man’s flesh and blood.

We don’t need to abandon physicality in search for spirituality. On the contrary, our goal is to make the physical world receptive and sensitive to the Divine. The covenant of circumcision best expresses this idea, because the spirituality associated with a mitzvah become permanently embossed in man’s flesh.

In this Parsha, G-d reveals Himself to Avraham, ushering in a new era in Avraham’s life, where his physical body is now a receptacle for Divinity, through the covenant of circumcision.

The lesson for us: We know that G-d is present in our lives, too. The only difference is that Avraham was given the ability to see this with his eyes.

But, as descendants of Avraham, we should not be satisfied with G-d’s invisible presence. We should cry out and ask: Why is it that G-d showed Himself to Avraham, and He does not show Himself to us?

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time in NYC is at 4:19 PM.