1. Introduction and Format of the Women’s Shiur
For many years, I have been giving a women’s class on Tuesday evenings. Before COVID, these classes were held in person, but after COVID, we transitioned to Zoom. Every Tuesday, mitzvat Hashem—with Hashem’s help—we continue this tradition. The timing is usually six o’clock, though sometimes it shifts earlier depending on circumstances. I also run a website called TorahRecordings.com, where I post recordings of these classes. With new technology, I am now able to transcribe the audio into text, making it easier for people to read and review the material even on Shabbos. Goldie asked me to share something short about the Parsha, so I looked up a few pieces from my notes on Parshas Vayera and will share three brief insights.2. Hashem’s Visit to Avraham After the Bris Milah
Parshas Vayera begins with vayera elav Hashem—Hashem appeared to Avraham. This took place at an extremely difficult time for Avraham: he had just performed his bris milah—circumcision—at ninety-nine years old, and it was the third day after the procedure, which is known to be the most painful. The question arises: since Hashem was coming to visit the sick (bikur cholim), why did He wait until the third day? Why not come earlier? The Rebbe explains that this bris milah was unique among Avraham’s mitzvos because he performed it in exactly the same way we do after Matan Torah—the giving of the Torah—fully engaging with all its physical challenges. The lesson is that doing mitzvos and staying connected to Hashem isn’t always easy or comfortable. Hashem didn’t wait until Avraham had recovered; He came specifically during Avraham’s most difficult moment to show that even when things are hardest, Hashem is with us. Sometimes, when it hurts most, that is precisely when Hashem appears closest.3. The Announcement of Yitzchak’s Birth and Creating Vessels for Blessing
The parsha continues with the story of Sarah and the three angels who visit her. One angel tells Sarah she will have a child. This announcement is repeated multiple times in both this parsha and the previous one. Why not simply give her the child without all these announcements? The Rebbe offers an insightful explanation: Hashem wants to give us blessings (bruches), but He also wants us to create vessels (keilim) to receive them. The announcement itself gives Sarah an opportunity to believe in Hashem’s ability to do anything—hayi palei meHashem davar—is anything beyond Hashem? Her faith becomes the vessel through which she receives this miraculous blessing. If she hadn’t believed, perhaps she would not have merited having a child in such a supernatural way.4. Faith as an Environment for Miracles: A Modern Perspective
This idea resonates even with modern science and quantum mechanics: as soon as you think about something or believe in its possibility, you enter into its field of potentiality. Having faith creates an environment where miracles can happen—your belief sets up the reality for blessing to manifest.5. Why Did Sarah Wait Until Age Ninety?
Another question arises: why did Hashem wait until Sarah was ninety years old before granting her a child? The Rebbe explains there is a fundamental difference between Avraham’s two sons: Yishmael and Yitzchak. Yishmael underwent his bris milah at age thirteen and agreed logically to participate; his connection was based on understanding (sechel). In contrast, Yitzchak had his bris milah at eight days old—a stage where he had no say or comprehension—demonstrating that our connection with Hashem transcends nature and logic. Jewish identity begins supernaturally, above nature, showing that our bond with Hashem isn’t dependent solely on intellect or natural order but is rooted in something higher.6. Avraham’s Challenges and Enduring Faith
Avraham faced many hardships despite his unwavering faith: famine forced him from his land, his wife was taken from him, and he endured much opposition from those who didn’t recognize or accept belief in one God. People questioned why someone so devoted would experience such difficulties if Hashem truly cared for him. Yet Avraham persisted in following Hashem despite these challenges, ultimately leading from Lech Lecha through Vayera to great blessings—the birth of Yitzchak and continuity for future generations.7. Three Core Messages from Parshas Vayera
To summarize three key lessons: First, sometimes our hardest day may be when Hashem comes closest—Vayera. Second, our faith (emunah) creates vessels for blessing: like Sarah, when we trust that nothing is too wondrous for Hashem, we make room for His blessings in our lives. Third, it is never too late—Sarah gave birth at ninety! At every age and stage of life we can bring new light into the world. May each of us use our energy from Hashem to bring more light into the world and hasten the coming of Mashiach—the ultimate redemption.