Parashat Vayera

The prophet Elisha performs two miracles.

If people don't feel comfortable in the community, they won't stay long enough to enjoy its richness.

Humanity's dominion over the earth must be for the sake of the Divine.

We no longer need there to be unchosen children.

Why did Abraham beg for mercy for the city of Sodom but not for his son Isaac?

Joy and laughter, often embodied in children, can help us begin to live again after extreme disappointment and tragedy.

Isaac's birth, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the exile of Hagar and the ultimate sacrifice.

The fates of Abraham and Sarah as compared to Sodom teach us that ethics, not power, determines the future.

In his covenant with Avimelech, Abraham provides us with an example of how to build peace, justice, and kindness where they seem to be absent.

Honesty is a value only insofar as it leads to growth, compassion and peace.