5784/2023

In this week's Parashah, Parashat VaYeira, Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu have Yitzchak at a very old age. Before Yitzchak was born, a Malach came to Avraham and Sarah and said ׳׳שׁ֣וֹב אָשׁ֤וּב אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙…וְהִנֵּה⁠־בֵ֖ן לְשָׂרָ֣ה׳׳: I will return to you and Sarah will have a child (BeReishit 18:10). Sarah proceeds to laugh at the statement because according to Rashi (BeReishit 18:11), she thinks she is too old and physically can’t give birth to a child. I think a reason for this could be because she didn’t fully believe that Hashem can give her a child and it won’t actually happen. In Parashat Lech Lecha, when the Malachim came and told Avraham that he will have a son, it also says “וַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל־פָּנָ֖יו וַיִּצְחָ֑ק” –Avraham fell on his face laughing (BeReishit 17:17). The Bechor Shor explains that here, however, Avraham laughed out of joy. How could Sarah not believe in Hashem? Also, later in the Perek, Sarah denies her laughter! She tells her husband “לֹ֥א צָחַ֖קְתִּי” (BeReishit 18:15). She fears that since she turned against Hashem she will get punished. The Ramban explains that Avraham Avinu knew that these people who gave him the news were Malachim but Sarah did not. She just heard the words of men talking about her. He also says that it could not have been a joyous laughter but a mocking of Hashem. I think there are many lessons we can learn from this story. One being that Lashon Harah can go a long way when you talk about someone else, especially if they only hear a part of the story. Sarah only heard a small part of what happened and she kind of scoffed at Hashem. Another lesson is that we have to have tremendous Emunah in Hashem. We need to have Emunah that He can do anything and everything. Especially during these trying times, we need to realize that Hashem can save and redeem all of us. We need to have Bitachon that all of what is happening is for the good. Hashem does everything for our benefit and we should always know that Mashiach is on its way and very close.

Later, Avraham Avinu was tested in almost the same form of test as Sarah Imeinu. Hashem tests him with bringing Yitzchak as a Korban and he passes the test. He does not hesitate or laugh at Hashem’s words. He just acts. From this story, we see that it is critical to trust in Hashem and take action. I’m not saying we need to go all in 1000% like Avraham, but the next time you have the opportunity to do a mitzvah, or start an opportunity for other people, you should take immediate action without delay. We should all be Zoche to do a great amount of Mitzvot everyday and help save our brothers in Eretz Yisroel. Have a great Shabbos!