YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
Rashi explains that Hashem came to inquire about his healing process. According to him, the Divine revelation was just a special form of bikkur cholim. Rashi’s grandson, the Rashbam, says that the Divine revelation was the arrival of the three angels. Ibn Ezra suggests that Avraham received a prophecy at that time, just that the Torah text does not reveal it. The Ramban discusses the approach of the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim that the visit of three angels was a prophetic vision rather than an actual visit. The Ramban rejects that approach and suggests other angles.
The existence of so many explanations is a sign that there is real difficulty. With the readers’ indulgence, I will introduce an approach that goes hand-in-hand with the presentation of the events’ sequential order. Yitzchak’s birth stretches out over Lech Lecha and Vayeira. Different messages in this context are distinguished from each other, in that in some Hashem is described with His Name according to the attribute of mercy (Hashem) and in others with the Name connected to the attribute of judgment (Elokim). Let us now take a look and analyze each revelation on these grounds.
A. Bereishit 17:1-2 – Hashem appeared to Avraham with the attribute of mercy, when he was 99 years old. The purpose was to present Avraham with a covenant promising him many offspring and charging Avraham to be tamim (unblemished).
B. Ibid. 17:9-14 – This was at the same time period and was done with the attribute of judgment. Again there was a covenant about plentiful offspring, and this time there was a command to fulfill the mitzva of brit mila. At the end, Hashem also revealed that Sarah was to give birth to a son for Avraham, whose name would be Yitzchak.
C. Ibid. 18:10-15 – This revelation uses the Name of mercy, and He repeated that Sarah would bear Avraham a son.
D. Ibid. 18:16 – 19:29 – The revelation with the attribute of mercy was about the destruction of S’dom.
We can now explain based on the concept that Hashem can "speak" in such a complex manner that multiple things are said at one time, but people are unable to absorb it in that manner (see Tehillim 62:12). The general framework is one of mercy, although the covenant is said in a manner that includes both attributes. Mercy is more directly involved in the command to be unblemished. Judgment is connected to the command of doing brit mila, which involves blood, pain, and crying. We posit, then, that the same revelation has different aspects that are recorded in neighboring sections. Therefore, there is no question of what was revealed, as it appears elsewhere.
We finish with another chiddush. The prophecy about the destruction of S’dom was given with the attribute of mercy. Indeed, it was mercy for all the good people whom S’dom abused (see Bereishit 18:20). Similarly, the modern "inheritors" of the Sodomites, the Gazans, acted with such cruelty that their destruction can only be seen as mercy. It is forbidden to be forgiving to the cruel!
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
