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In parshas Vayeira, Hashem tells Avraham, that he is going to destroy Sodom and Amora. Then it says, "... And Avraham was still standing before Hashem. And Avraham came forward and said, 'Would You blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!'"
If Avraham was still standing before Hashem, what does it mean, that he came forward?
Rashi explains that he didn't come forward in a physical sense, but rather, he prepared himself emotionally, to defend Sodom and Amora from annihilation. To plead the case before Hashem in three ways. To argue sternly with Him, to appease Him and to pray to Him.
We see that he did all three, first speaking sternly, he said "Would you blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!" In appeasement he said, "It would be sacrilegious for You to do such a thing, to bring death upon the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are alike, that would be sacrilegious of you! Shall the Judge of the whole world not judge Fairly?!" Then in prayer he said, "Behold I have begun to speak to my Lord, and I am dust and ashes."
We are taught about Avraham, that he manifested the attribute of kindness and love. In last week's Haftora, Hashem even called him, "Avraham who loved Me." So it seems strange and out of character that Avraham opens his argument with stern words. "Would you blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!" Why doesn't he begin with words of appeasement or prayer, and if that doesn't work, try stern words? That would be more in character with the Avraham we know.
When it speaks of Avraham's kindness and love, it is referring to the way he served Hashem, in line with his nature. However, here lives were on the line, and the angel tasked with destroying Sodom and Amora, were already on the way there. Avraham went against his nature and spoke sternly first, not making diplomatic calculations, because lives were in the balance.
The stories of our forefathers are a lesson to us, his children. Even more, just as we inherit from Avraham, the kindness and the love that he had, we must be ready to take action when it is called for, just as he did.
The lesson here, is that when the well being of another is on the line, whether it is his spiritual, or physical well being. It is not a time for calculations, it is a time for action, throwing yourself into the task with strong and effective action, even if it means going against your nature. To save a life, we go the extra mile.
I learned this lesson when we realized that what I had was ALS. A group of five rabbis, of whom, most didn't really know me, took on the task of making sure my family was taken care of, and that I got the medical care I needed, and they are still there for us. And together with them, there are so many who have helped, financially, emotionally, showering us with love, bringing meals, etc. etc.
To see the children of Avraham in action is amazing and we are so grateful, you truly saved our lives.
May the merits of the kindness and love all of the Jewish people give be the mitzvah that tips the scale and sets in motion the coming of Moshiach. May he come soon.
__
Dear friends,
This year, the RUN4YITZI campaign is trying to raise $50,000. The RUN4YITZI team has grown to almost 20, and will be running the Miami Half Marathon. My wife Dina will be running as well. Please help us reach our goal by donating what you can and by sharing the link on the website to Facebook. Give To RUN4YITZI
Thank you for your love,
Yitzi
If Avraham was still standing before Hashem, what does it mean, that he came forward?
Rashi explains that he didn't come forward in a physical sense, but rather, he prepared himself emotionally, to defend Sodom and Amora from annihilation. To plead the case before Hashem in three ways. To argue sternly with Him, to appease Him and to pray to Him.
We see that he did all three, first speaking sternly, he said "Would you blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!" In appeasement he said, "It would be sacrilegious for You to do such a thing, to bring death upon the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are alike, that would be sacrilegious of you! Shall the Judge of the whole world not judge Fairly?!" Then in prayer he said, "Behold I have begun to speak to my Lord, and I am dust and ashes."
We are taught about Avraham, that he manifested the attribute of kindness and love. In last week's Haftora, Hashem even called him, "Avraham who loved Me." So it seems strange and out of character that Avraham opens his argument with stern words. "Would you blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!" Why doesn't he begin with words of appeasement or prayer, and if that doesn't work, try stern words? That would be more in character with the Avraham we know.
When it speaks of Avraham's kindness and love, it is referring to the way he served Hashem, in line with his nature. However, here lives were on the line, and the angel tasked with destroying Sodom and Amora, were already on the way there. Avraham went against his nature and spoke sternly first, not making diplomatic calculations, because lives were in the balance.
The stories of our forefathers are a lesson to us, his children. Even more, just as we inherit from Avraham, the kindness and the love that he had, we must be ready to take action when it is called for, just as he did.
The lesson here, is that when the well being of another is on the line, whether it is his spiritual, or physical well being. It is not a time for calculations, it is a time for action, throwing yourself into the task with strong and effective action, even if it means going against your nature. To save a life, we go the extra mile.
I learned this lesson when we realized that what I had was ALS. A group of five rabbis, of whom, most didn't really know me, took on the task of making sure my family was taken care of, and that I got the medical care I needed, and they are still there for us. And together with them, there are so many who have helped, financially, emotionally, showering us with love, bringing meals, etc. etc.
To see the children of Avraham in action is amazing and we are so grateful, you truly saved our lives.
May the merits of the kindness and love all of the Jewish people give be the mitzvah that tips the scale and sets in motion the coming of Moshiach. May he come soon.
__
Dear friends,
This year, the RUN4YITZI campaign is trying to raise $50,000. The RUN4YITZI team has grown to almost 20, and will be running the Miami Half Marathon. My wife Dina will be running as well. Please help us reach our goal by donating what you can and by sharing the link on the website to Facebook. Give To RUN4YITZI
Thank you for your love,
Yitzi
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