Vayeira 5773: Visions and Reality - The Power of Ten

For more than 50 years the Giants winning the World Series was merely a vision – and now twice in the last three years – that vision has become a reality.  

This week’s parshah, Vayeira, is about visions and reality. It begins with a vision appearing to Abraham and Sarah – the vision of having a child although they are very very old.  And it ends with a vision of Yitzhak rescued by a ram in the thicket.  And in between there is lots of real life drama – conflict between wife and husband, between half-brothers, conflict between parent and child, even between God and Avraham.

I want to focus for a moment on the conflict between God and Avraham found in the Torah narrative about Avraham debating with God about the destruction of S’dom and Amorah (Sodom and Gemorrah). 

Avraham both humbles himself – comparing himself to dust and ashes – and stands tall when he confronts God over the plan to destroy S’dom and Amorah because it is so full of evil. The way that Avraham states his case is familiar: "Shouldn’t the judge of justice do justice!?!" (Bereisheet 18:25.)

Avraham continues, "What if there are 50 righteous people there, will you still destroy?  No.  What if 45 righteous are found there?  No.  What if 40?  What if 30? What if 20?  What if 10? 

In this way, Avraham distinguishes himself from Noach. You might recall that Noach is also told about the destruction of the world on account of evil.  But Noach is silent; he does not argue with God.  (Beresheit 6:9–7:5).

Nitzavim 5772: Standing with Purpose and a Posture of Happiness and Joy

This week’s parshah is named Nitzavim. It literally means "you (pl) are standing" but not any kind of standing – for that the Torah would likely have used a different verb.  Rather nitzavim means to stand upright, with a purpose, with an attitude – an attitude of preparation, or readiness to receive what is coming.

The Torah portion also describes just how inclusive the Jewish community is meant to be.  All those who are present receiving Moshe’s instructions are identified – from the leaders and tribal chiefs and elders, to the youngest person in the camp!  From the children and those who are now part of the community even though they were not born into it - the Torah even includes those who have not yet been born.  Rich and poor; old and young -- getting up to meet the challenge.  From those who enforced the laws to even the humble wood-choppers and water-carriers.  In other words, those who are considered among the poorest in the community are included.  

It is a broad net that is cast!  A net that is as diverse at is inclusive. And one other vital message – about all the lessons that Moshe is teaching from Torah – we are taught that whether we embrace this community and its norms and how we embrace this community and its norms is left for us to choose.  God is setting before us every day the choice of life and good.  (Devarim 30:15.)