Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayera/0/en

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayera

Did the Avot Keep the Mitzvot?

This issue had been debated throughout the ages. On one hand, the Avot and Imahot lived centuries before the Torah was given and many of its laws would be meaningless to them.  On the other hand, it seems paradoxical to conceive of the founders of a religion not observing even its most basic commandments. 

• What other factors might lead one to suggest that the Avot did in fact observe at least some of the commandments?
• What evidence might you bring from Torah to support each position?
• With which side of the debate do you agree; why?  See Avot and Mitzvot – Was Avraham the First Jew?

Criticizing our Avot

To what extent should we view our ancestors as perfect role models worthy of emulation, reinterpreting any stories that cast shadows on their reputations, and when is it fair to criticize their actions and recognize that they, too, had human flaws?  Use the story of the Banishment of Hagar and Yishmael as a test case to explore the question.

• What crime could possibly justify the banishment of one's son? 
• How should Yishmael's "צחוק" be understood?  Is it possible that the righteous Sarah would be ready to expel Yishmael for innocuous laughter? On the other hand, is it conceivable that a son raised by Avraham could have committed crimes so dire that such a punishment was warranted?
• Compare Rashi, who defends Sarah by depicting a particularly wicked Yishmael, with R. Avraham Saba who condemns her (despite Hashem backing her decision!)

Collective Punishment & Collective Salvation

Many readers view Avraham's Prayer for Sedom as a condemnation of the of the concept of collective punishment.  A closer look, however, reveals that his request is more complex.  Avraham seems to simultaneously appeal to Divine mercy for collective salvation, asking to spare even the wicked of the city due to the virtues of the righteous.

• Is collective salvation any more "just" than collective punishment?  Is Avraham being inconsistent in condemning one while requesting the other?  Or, should his plea be understood in a different way?
• Can Hashem be swayed by human argument?  Is it conceivable that Hashem's feelings about collective punishment changed as a result of Avraham's pleas? Does the story suggest that they did?
• Finally, look to other examples of punishment in Tanakh.  Is collective punishment the norm or the exception?

Like Father, Like Son?

Often readers picture Avraham as an active trailblazer, and Yitzchak as but a passive shadow, whose main contribution is being a link in the chain. Is this an accurate depiction?

• What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each character?
• What are the main points of similarity and difference between the two?
• Perhaps surprisingly, the stories of father and son are actually quite similar, and exploring the parallels helps a reader appreciate both the overlap between and the uniqueness of each leader.  See Avraham and Yitzchak for more.

Angels or Men

What does the Torah believe about angels?  Though many characters are referred to as "מלאכים", when does this term refer to a celestial being and when to a human messenger?  Are angels corporeal, or immaterial beings? If the latter, how can they be seen by humans, or do physical actions such as eating? 

What can the story of Avraham's Guests teach about the subject? Compare the approaches of rationalists like Rambam and Ralbag, with the more mystically inclined, such as Ramban.  With whose position do you agree?