Vayeira Audio Classes

A five minute weekly Torah insight based on the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidut.

An overview of the weekly Parshah, through the eyes of the many commentators, enriching your understanding of how our great history unfolded.

The lesson of hospitality from Abraham and Sarah

Examining the weekly Torah reading through the lens of contemporary commentary, showing how topical and relevant the parshah's ideas really are. Both mystical and pragmatic, this lesson will elevate your spirit and refine your view of the world around you.

"And the Lord appeared to Abraham"; Rashi says: "It was the third day from his circumcision, and G-d came and inquired about his welfare." Where was He for the first three days?

Get a detailed overview of the weekly Torah portion sewn together with keen insights and timely life messages.

An in depth presentation of Chassidic teachings on the weekly Parshah.

An in depth look at the weekly Parshah based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

The Kabbalistic approach to the weekly Torah reading

A five minute weekly Torah thought based on the teachings of Chassidut.

Experience the gems of the Parshah with the classic commentaries, and a kabbalistic twist.

This class unravels the special significance of Akeidat Yitzchak, the binding of Isaac; why this test of self sacrifice stands out from all others?

An advanced presentation of Chassidic teachings on the Parshah.

Have you ever met a Rabbi who could give you an inspiring message in just two minutes? Well, here it is….

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.

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

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?

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?

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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.)

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.

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!

When Lot and his family escaped Sodom, the instruction was not to look back. Lot’s wife did and she turned into a pillar of salt. The message for us is clear: Holding on to anger and resentment just makes us bitter and salty. Forgiving others cleanses our mind and soul and releases us to go on. This week’s story takes us back to the 11th century, where we discover an incredibly brilliant way to transform our hurt into blessings.

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)

A journey through the weekly Torah portion briefly explaining the text in plain English—based on the commentary of Rashi.

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.