Vayeira Videos

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Why is Gefilte Fish tied to a tree in Central Park? Find out in this exclusive news report for Parshat Vayeira!

Just as every parent would forego their personal honor and willingly wait while you tend to his or her child, this, too, is G d’s greatest pleasure.

Topics Include: the three angels visit Abraham, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the rectification of Adam’s soul through the binding of Isaac.

When we feel that our past behavior does not warrant a connection with G‑d, He assures us: I judge you only by where you are now.

What is so special about Avraham’s self-sacrifice for G-d, considering that we find many who were willing to give up their life for all types of causes?

A powerful lesson from mothers nursing their newborn babies. Sharing with others doesn’t diminish from oneself, on the contrary, it only adds more.

A person can be spiritual and even religious without Torah. Why then does Torah insist on a defined set of rules? In addressing this question, an age-old debate between Issac and Ishmael is analyzed, yielding a surprising outcome. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 25, p.86.)

A deeper look at the biblical story of how the prophet Elisha saves an impoverished widow and her sons from the clutches of a merciless creditor.

When Abraham entreats G-d to spare Sodom and Gomorrah, he prefaces his request with the acknowledgment that he is but dust and ashes. In reward for his humility, two unique mitzvahs are granted by G-d to his descendants, the Children of Israel. This class will explore the connection between these particular mitzvahs and Avraham's humility, revealing the inspiring message contained therein. (Likutei Sichos vol. 25) This class is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Shmuel Azimov, of blessed memory.

Did the angels who visited Abraham actually eat or just pretend to eat? Is one supposed to follow local custom or just make an appearance of doing so? The Midrash and the Talmud give two different answers. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 36 p.172)

Abraham baked matzah on Passover over four hundred years before the Exodus. How did the patriarchs and matriarchs know how to observe mitzvot before the Torah was even given at Sinai?

G‑d’s visit to Abraham following his circumcision teaches us some important guidelines in how to properly perform the mitzvah of bikkur cholim—visiting the sick.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

Almost incidental of a primary biblical narrative, in what might be termed a moment of “divine candor,” G-d “drops the curtain” sharing the secret of why he so loves Abraham. It seems reasonable to say that the importance of this verse cannot be overstated – as it's nothing short of an extraordinarily revealing statement by our Creator about how to best nurture our relationship with Him. And in turn, we can learn how to best cultivate and maintain our personal relationships as well!

On what basis did Abraham and Sarah merit to have a child in their old age? Many answers are hinted to in the word "where" in the angels' question to Abraham (Genesis 18:9) "Where is your wife Sarah?"

When Avimelech kidnaps Sarah, G‑d tells him (Genesis 20:6), “I have withheld you from sin.” Why is the Hebrew word for sinning (chet) missing an aleph in this verse?

We study the enigmatic story of the Akeida with a special focus on Abraham’s response when G-d stops him at the last moment.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

Why is circumcision the first mitzvah that G-d gave Abraham? This class explores the meaning and many other facets of this essential mitzvah.

Parshat Vayeira contains a curious narrative about a huge ball held to celebrate Isaac’s coming-of-age. An exploration of this event, via little-known, yet trusted sources, lays bare fascinating details—as the investigation segues into secret bible codes that seem to compellingly allude to the present day Iranian showdown with Israel.

Isaac's baby bash attracts some pretty rude guests and crude comments. In trying to understand the irreverent behavior of an oversized world leader, a surprising narrative emerges in a remarkable true story of the Biblical origin of the proverbial rocking cradle and accompanying lullabies. In developing this unusual thesis about the foundational essence of a Torah education; a variety of fascinating facts, figures and fetishes are picked up along the way.

The opening narrative of Abraham's hospitality is punctuated with repetitive descriptions of great haste. Rather than incidental, these details emerge as a compelling pattern – but the actual messaging isn't obvious. What exactly is the Torah trying to tell us?! This investigation of our founding father’s famous hospitality ultimately provides incredible insight into the inner workings of Abraham's kindness – ultimately guiding and illuminating our own Jewish ethos of sharing and caring today.

We hear of the miracles that great people’s prayers can accomplish. But is prayer also for us regular folk?

Transcendence is about reaching higher and deeper than your natural self.

Have fun watching an exciting puppet show for children and learn the parsha of the week with Rabbi Wagshul.

“I multiplied Abraham’s seed, and gave him Isaac.” How is the birth of one son the fulfillment of G-d’s promise to multiply Abraham’s seed?

Sarah, the first Jewish mother, is a shining example of the great power that every woman has over her family and our entire nation. It was Sarah who insisted that Isaac, not Ishmael, continue Abraham’s progeny. It was she who raised Isaac in his formative years, instilling within him the fortitude to stand up to all tests, and to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.

Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve micromanaged someone? When we can’t trust, it frustrates those we work with, and limits ourselves. We can train ourselves to trust others, step by step, and how with appropriate trusting we can accomplish things that seem impossible. Learn how developing greater trust can expand your life.

Looking for just one volunteer to do something that will change the world. Can we count on YOU?

When G‑d wanted to tell Abraham to bring his son Isaac as an offering, G‑d delivered the command Himself. But when He wanted to tell Abraham to let his son live, He sent an angel to deliver the message.

Learn how the qualities of humility and kindness are interconnected.

Are you kind to others because you have a compassionate personality or does it stem from something more profound?

A closer look at the manner in which Abraham approached G-d to reconsider destroying the cities of Sodom. Examining the commentary of Rashi, as recorded in the manuscripts, sheds light on the narrative.

There are three traits, declares the Talmud, that characterize the Jewish people. An analysis of these qualities from the differing perspectives of the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds. (Likkutei Sichos, vol. 30)

When did the extra-terrestrial angels visiting Abraham come and go? A closer look at the storyline seems to pose conflicting accounts. Learn some of the related commentaries on the nature of this visit that will challenge the conventional understanding.

Fascinating and current commentary on a much misunderstood and tragic biblical figure. See how the Torah's narrative of Abraham's wayward nephew and his well-intentioned, yet misguided daughters can provide us with moral clarity and guidance in our modern age of mistaken confusion and willful obfuscation.

There’s more to the mitzvah of hosting guests than providing food, drink and lodging.

A profound exploration of the mystical text from Zohar known as Pasach Eliyahu, which details emanation of Ten Sefiros from the oneness of G-d.

Explore the deeper significance of a Brit Milah specifically as an infant as illuminated with the circumcision of Yitzckak.

A deeper look at Avraham’s approach in compelling others to bless G-d, offers insight into the great value of influencing another to do even one mitzvah. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 15 Vayeira)

An inspiring story with the Rebbe Rashab as a young child, affords us incredible instruction in how we can educate a Jewish child today. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 15 Vayeira – Cheshvan 20)

A beautiful analysis of Rashi's commentary on this passage.

Explaining the Zohar on the association of digging wells with Yitzchak, teaches us how Simcha is a fundamental component of Judaism, but it needs to be balanced.

Is there any value in forcing someone to do the right thing? Learn the meaning of Avraham coercing his guests to bless Hashem.

The Rebbe Rashab cried as a young boy that Hashem hadn't revealed Himself to him, as He did to Avraham. Surely, he knew how great Avraham was?

G‑d tells Abaraham, “Whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her voice.” In this class we examine the dilema between doing what others expect of us and doing what is best.

Ch. 18, verse 26 – Ch. 19, verse 11: Continues with Avraham’s impassioned plea to Hashem on behalf of the people of Sodom. The chapter ends with him accepting G-d's decision and returning to his place. Chapter 18 begins with the angels coming to Sodom and being invited to the home of Lot. While they are there the people of the city surround his house and demand that he give his guests to them for immoral purposes. Lot goes out and tries to reasson with them but to no avail. He is pulled back into the house by the angels who proceed to blind all the people who are surrounding his house.

Ch. 19, verse 1 – Ch. 20, verse 6: Avraham and Sarah go to Gerar, where he experiences another of his ten tests. Sarah is abducted by Avimelech the king of Gerar. The king is warned by Hashem to release her. His whole household is plagued because of her. The king releases her with lavish gifts. Avraham prays for him, and then he and his household are cured. Chapter 20 begins with Hsshem remembering Sarah and she gives birth to Yitzchok. Avraham who is one hundred years old, circumcises him on the eighth day of his birth and names him Yitzchok.

Ch. 21, verses 6 - 34: Continues with the weaning of Yitzchok. Next is the test of sending away Yishmael. Chapter ends with the treaty with Avimelech.

Ch. 22, verses 1 - 5: Overview, the request of Hashem to Avraham to bring Yitzchok up as a sacrifice. They reach the mountain and are about to ascend.

Ch. 22, verses 6 - 24: Continues with the “Binding of Yitzchok." Avraham is told not to sacrifice Yitzchok, that Hashem only wanted him brought up on the altar. Abraham then brings a ram in lieu of Yirzchok. They then return to Be'er Sheva. The portion ends with the birth of Rivkah.

Today, many have achieved extraordinary material success unimaginable in times prior and have generously shared their gifts to help those in need. What compels them to distribute so much of their personal income? What causes people -- of any level of affluence -- to give away their hard-earned money?

The deeper meaning of Abraham's request to his wife -- "Say that you are my sister." Presenter: Rabbi Kaplan

In a culture of “live and let live” you might convince yourself that another person’s religious commitments are none of your business. But ask yourself what you’d do if you truly cared about your fellow’s welfare. And why should someone’s spiritual needs be any less important than their physical needs.

I’m sure this cartoon will push some buttons, so take it away...