1. Dedication and Introduction
The learning today is dedicated in honor of a yahrzeit—anniversary of passing—for the soul of Alisa. This dedication is repeated several times, emphasizing the merit (zechut) for Alisa’s neshama—soul. There is also mention of a mother, possibly connecting the dedication to her as well. May the learning be an elevation for their souls.
2. The Question About Avraham and Sarah’s Belief
The shiur opens with a question: Why did Avraham think as he did, and why did Sarah think as she did? This refers to the episode where both Avraham and Sarah respond to Hashem’s promise that they will have a child in their old age. The question is raised about their respective reactions and beliefs regarding this miraculous promise.
3. Rabbi’s Explanation: Sarah’s Doubt Versus Avraham’s Experience
We bring a teaching from [CHECK ATTRIBUTION: “the Rabbi”], who explains that Sarah could not have children because she had already gone through menopause and was physically unable to conceive. Therefore, when she heard she would have a child, she did not believe it was possible.
Avraham, on the other hand, had already fathered a child before—Yishmael—when he was 86 years old (and now he was 99 or 100). So for him, having another child was not entirely outside his experience, even if it seemed unlikely at his age. However, it is clarified that his previous child was not with Sarah but with Hagar.
4. Nuances in Rashi’s Commentary
Rashi’s commentary points out that when Sarah laughs at the idea of having a child, she says: “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure? And my husband is old.” Rashi notes that perhaps Sarah did not know that Avraham was still capable of fathering children; maybe he still could.
This means that part of Sarah’s disbelief stemmed from her own physical limitations, but also possibly from not knowing whether Avraham could still father children. According to Rashi, Avraham knew he could still have children, so his reaction was different from Sarah’s.
5. The Core Promise: A Child Specifically With Sarah
The main point of Hashem’s promise was not just that Avraham would have children—he already had Yishmael—but specifically that he would have a child with Sarah. When Hashem tells Avraham this news, Avraham responds by saying he would be happy if Yishmael would live before Hashem. But Hashem insists: No, your wife Sarah will bear you a son.
This distinction is crucial: The miracle is not simply about Avraham having children in general but about him having a child specifically with Sarah despite her inability to conceive naturally.
6. Reconciling the Reactions of Avraham and Sarah
The shiur concludes by returning to the question: Did Avraham know that Sarah could not bear children? The text suggests that even though both were old, the true miracle was for Sarah to conceive at her age and physical state. The Torah emphasizes this by stating how impossible it seemed for Sarah to have a child at her age.
This helps explain why both their reactions are discussed separately in the Torah and why Hashem addresses each one differently—highlighting the unique nature of the promise and its fulfillment through both faith and divine intervention.