However, our Torah informs us that ethical factors are far more consequential. Powerful nations fall if they are immoral, while weak ones succeed if they maintain moral excellence.

Chosen or Condemned

The Hebrew word tzachak, meaning to laugh, is employed several times in Parashat Vayera, most notably in relation to the birth and naming of our patriarch Yitzchak [Isaac]. The term is also used when Lot tells his sons-in-law that their home city of Sodom is about to be destroyed. They do not believe him, for his words are "like a joke (kimitzacheik) in their eyes." MORE>

WEEKLY * TORAH *

LEARNING

PARASHAT * VAYERA *

Three guests arrive at Abraham and Sarah's tent. They inform Abraham that God will give the elderly Sarah a child. The prophecy comes true, and they name their son Isaac.

By Nancy Reuben Greenfield

As Abraham was sitting before his tent, after having

circumcised himself, God appeared.

Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw three men standing

there Abraham invited them to come in and made a

fine meal for them. One of the men said that Sarah

would have a son by the time he returns to their tent.

Sarah heard this comment and laughed to herself,

saying, “Oh, that I shall have the greatest fulfillment

now that I am already worn out and my husband is

an old man!”More

PARASHAT VAYERA FOR * CHILDREN *

HARAV * KOOK *

* TORAH INSTITUTE *

PARASHAT * VAYERA *

5 SHORT AND USEFUL ARTICLES

"Who Brings Forth Bread

from the Earth"

"Hamotzi" – For all Times

Priceless Jewels on

Tattered Clothes

Order in Miracles

God's Name

More Commentaries From

Different Sectors Of Judaism

Being Absolutely Honest,

from Torah Topics for Today

Choosing Man,

from Hillel

A Lesson in Hospitality,

from Jewish Outreach Initiative

Challenging the Heavens,

from AJWS

And God Took Note?,

from Union for Reform Judaism

The Sin of Sodom,

from Canfei Nesharim

The Needs of Home & Community,

from JTS

How Do I Tell My Kids To Go Forth,

a Kveller Momentary

* HAFTARAH *

The prophet Elisha

performs two miracles.

This week's haftarah contains two stories

about the prophet Elisha, a protégé of Elijah.

In the first story an unnamed woman,

traditionally identified as the wife of

Obadiah, one of the minor prophets,

comes to Elisha with a complaint. Her

husband has died, and she is so destitute

without him that her children are about

to be taken away from her to be sold as slaves.

JEWISH WORLD NEWS

nya mall attackers talked on cell phone, prayed between shootings

'Report an attempt to neutralize Turkey'

Ankara enraged by Washington Post article claiming it exposed Israel spy network operating in Iran, calls it 'attempt to spoil moderate atmosphere after Rohani election'
Full Story . . .

Kenya mall attackers talked on cell phone,

prayed between shootings

Unsung hero of Sobibor

revolt remembered

Russia, Poland mark 70th anniversary

of biggest and most successful

prisoner escape under Nazi regime

led by Red Army officer of Jewish origin

Bush to Jewish leaders: I don't trust Iran to change intentions

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush told a Jewish gathering that he did not trust the Iranian regime to change its intentions toward Israel. “I will not believe in Iran’s peaceful intentions until they can irrevocably prove that it’s true,” Bush told the 1,200 guests at the gala of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, according to several people in attendance. “The United States’ foreign policy must be clear eyed and understand that until the form of government changes in Iran, it is unlikely that their intentions toward Israel will change.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE