Testing God, Testing Abraham

Parshat Vayera
Genesis 18:1-22:24

Like many parashot in B'reishit (Genesis), Parshat Vayera is jam packed with stories and lessons. The parsha opens with a visit to Abraham from messenger, who bring predictions of the birth of Isaac. This greatly amuses Sarah, who, understandably, can hardly believe she is to become a mother at the ripe old age of 90.

God later appears to Abraham and foretells the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A discussion ensues in which Abraham bargains for the citizens of these cities. The story continues with Lot having to flee Sodom, and his wife is turned into a pillar of salt after ignoring the warning to not look upon the annihilation of the city as they escape.

The parasha ends (after a brief sojourn in the land of Gerar) with the birth of Isaac, the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael, and the near-sacrifice of Isaac.

A few questions for your Shabbat dinner table:

• During this parasha, Sarah gives birth to her son who is named "Isaac," which is derived from the Hebrew word for laughter. Why might this be the name chosen for Isaac? What is so funny about his birth?
• Take this time to discuss names and the meaning behind them. How did everyone in your family get their name? Are they named for someone? What characteristics of that person might you want to emulate?
• When God tells Abraham about the wickedness of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham tries to bargain for the citizens of those two cities. How do you think Abraham felt trying to argue with God? Have you ever had an occasion to argue for something you thought was very important?
• At the end of the parasha, we see the story of Akedat Yitzchak, the binding and near-sacrifice of Isaac, which we read during Rosh Hashanah. Some people read this as God testing Abraham's commitment and devotion, and it seems that Abraham has passed the test. Ask every family member to think of a very strong belief he or she holds or a value to which he or she is committed. Would any of you put the belief or value above the lives of those you love?

And as always, here is a fun quick look at Parshat Vayera - this video takes a deeper look at the story of Hagar and Ishmael.