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This D’var Torah is in Z’chus L’Ilui Nishmas my sister Kayla Rus Bas Bunim Tuvia A”H, my grandfather Dovid Tzvi Ben Yosef Yochanan A”H, & my great aunt Rivkah Sorah Bas Zev Yehuda HaKohein in Z’chus L’Refuah Shileimah for: |
Is Parshas Vayeira really just Parshas Lech Lecha 2.0? בס”ד
וַיֵּרָא ● Vayeira
“Deja Va-yeira All Over Again”
Two “Avraham Avinu Parshiyos”
Parshas Lech Lecha and Vayeira are the two “Avraham Avinu Parshiyos” in the Torah, as they’re both obviously devoted to the life of Avraham Avinu. The two Avraham Parshiyos are both jam-packed with exciting and monumental stories of our forefather.
But, have you ever wondered why there are two major Sidros devoted Avraham? You might intuitively suggest that it’s because one big Avraham Parshah consisting of both Lech Lecha and Vayeira would just be way too long, and perhaps that would be true. But, considering that this chunk of Avraham’s life is divided into two Sidros, how would one know where to divide them? Presumably, these Sidros represent two major chapters of Avraham’s life, two different titles. And considering that the Torah does not merely teach history, but themes and lessons about our ancestors to serve as instructions for us in our own lives, what is the thematic difference between Lech Lecha and Vayeira.
Avram vs. Avraham
In terms of where to divvy up these two Sidros, if we look at the actual setup, where Lech Lecha ends and Vayeira begins, it is at the spot of the Bris Milah, Avraham’s covenantal circumcision which he performs for himself and his household. It is here where Hashem changed Avraham’s name, from Avram to Avraham. Thus, when Vayeira begins, it begins with a “new” Avraham. If that’s so, we can simply suggest that there aren’t really two Avraham Parshiyos, but there is one “Avram Parshah” and one “Avraham Parshah.” Cool.
But, the question is what exactly has changed beyond Avraham’s name? Avraham saw a lot of action before his name change, and he sees plenty of more action afterwards. He is still more or less the same man on a Divine mission in this world. How has that mission changed between the Sidros?
Lech Lecha 2.0?
We are taught the exhilarating stories of Lech Lecha and Vayeira from a young age and have the opportunity to be fascinated by them annually every year after. But, if we look at them the same way each year, we may not notice some apparent themes shouting at us from the text. Take a slow and critical look at them again. Look at Lech Lecha, our “Parshas Avram.” Done? Okay, good. Now, look at Vayeira, our “Parshas Avraham.” Has it ever occurred to you that Parshas Vayeira seems to be a repeat of Lech Lecha? If you haven’t noticed, pay attention. They have a lot in common.
- Both Sidros open with Hashem coming to Avraham in some fashion and promising him progeny [See Bereishis 12 and 18]
- In both Sidros, Avraham finds his loved ones in danger [See Bereishis 12-14 and 18-20] 2a. His wife Sarah is abducted by a different king in each Sidrah, Pharaoh and Avimelech respectively, who were under the impression that she was Avraham’s sister. Pharaoh sends Avraham off immediately with riches while Avimelech and Avraham ultimately form a relationship in which Avimelech invites him to tread the land as he pleases. 2b. Avraham’s nephew Lot, who was residing in Sodom, finds his life in danger in each Sidrah, the first time when he was captured in the war between the four kings and the five kings and the second time when Hashem declared that Sodom would be destroyed. Avraham comes to his rescue each time.*(*Note that the order between 2a and 2b varies between the Sidros.)
- In both Sidros, Avraham has a son and forms a family. In both of these stories, there is a family crisis revolving around a Sarah’s disapproval of Hagar [See Bereishis 16 and 21].3a. In both of these stories, Hagar ends up being driven away from Avraham’s home whereupon she encounters an angel who tells her the future of her son Yishmael. In the first story, Hagar leaves on her own accord while in the second, she is directly sent away.3b. In the first story, Yishmael is born from Sarah’s maid Hagar, and in the second time, Yitzchak from Sarah.*(*Note that the order between 3a and 3b, as well, changes between the two Sidros.)
- Finally, both Sidros end with Avraham sharpening a knife to perform a great and painful sacrifice to G-d, the first time, his Bris Milah, and the second time, Akeidas Yitzchak. In both, he “targets” his own flesh and blood, the first time, literally, the second time, figuratively with his son. In the end of both of these stories, however, Hashem assures Avraham that his legacy will be perpetuated through his son Yitzchak [See Bereishis 17 and 22].* (*I would like to add a fascinating point, that perhaps the Bris Milah, in a deeper way, was a forbearer of the Akeidah. The Sefer HaChinuch [Mitzvah #2] teaches us that Bris Milah is symbolic of the larger goal of removing Orlas HaLeiv, foreskin of the heart, which separates our will from the Divine Will.Moreover, R’ Shimon Schwab describes the test of the Akeidah as an Akeidas HaLeiv, as Avraham had to sacrifice his own mind and understanding to G-d, so to speak, so that he could go through with it. Perhaps then, we can suggest that for Avraham, the Akeidah was a actually a Bris Milah for the Orlas HaLeiv.)
So, what are we supposed to make of all of these connections? Is Vayeira really just Lech Lecha 2.0? Why is Avraham experiencing this Déjà Vu, confronting a lot of these glaringly familiar situations of his earlier years?
Lech Lecha vs. Vayeira
Before we pass off Vayeira as just some coincidental revisiting or reinforcing of Lech Lecha, there are key differences we have to note between the parallel stories in these two Sidros. Looking at the parallels again, we have:
- Promise for Progeny: Lech Lecha/Vayeira
- Loved Ones in Danger
2a. Sarah Abducted: Pharaoh/Avimelech
2b. Rescuing Lot: From 4 Kings/From Sodom - Avraham’s Family
3a. Hagar is driven away: Hagar flees from Sarah/Hagar is sent away
3b. Avraham has a son: Yishmael/Yitzchak - The Sacrifice: Milah/Akeidah
Now, between these stories, one can already notice some obvious differences, for example, as we’ve mentioned, the way the kings treat Avraham after they learn that Sarah was his wife, the manner in which Hagar is driven away from the home, etc. We might also mention the settings in which Hashem promises Avraham progeny are different. In Lech Lecha, Hashem strikes up conversation with Avraham and promises him progeny, whereas in Vayeira opens with Avraham experiencing a vision of Hashem before welcoming in three angels who report the news about his future progeny.
However, there seems to be a couple of key, consistent differences that each of these parallel stories shares, more or less, which may explain the larger difference between Lech Lecha and Vayeira. What are these two consistent differences between Lech Lecha and Vayeira?
Avraham and Yitzchak
The two differences between Lech Lecha and Vayeira are Avraham and Yitzchak. Now, what in the world do I mean?
So, as we mentioned earlier, one unavoidable difference between the two Sidros is the name-change. For the duration of Lech Lecha until the very end, Avraham was “Avram.” However, throughout Vayeira, he is “Avraham.” Whatever this new identity means, which we’ll have to explain, might reveal the major difference between Lech Lecha and Vayeira.
The other difference is Yitzchak. So, what does that mean? Well, if one looks carefully at the parallel stories we’ve identified, Yitzchak more or less seems to be a key factor of difference.
1. Promise for Progeny
Yes, in the beginning of both Sidros, Avraham is promised progeny, but in Lech Lecha, Avraham is promised children in general, whereas in Vayeira, he specifically promised “Bein,” a son. He already had a son, Yishmael. This tiding was about none other than Yitzchak.
2. Loved Ones in Danger
This one is less obvious so bear with me.
2a. Sarah Abducted
In both stories, Sarah is abducted by a king. The first king to abduct her is Pharaoh, the second, Avimelech. Chazal tell us that after Pharaoh witnessed the wonders performed on Sarah’s behalf and realized how holy she was, he gave her his daughter Hagar as a maidservant [See Rashi to 16:1 citing Bereishis Rabbah 45:1], thus setting the stage for the birth of Yishmael.
However, the Torah tell us that after Avraham prayed on Avimelech’s behalf that the plague which caused blockage of the wombs of Avimelech’s household, Sarah was remembered and bore Yitzchak. Chazal teach us that she was answered swiftly because anyone who prays for someone in an area which one himself is lacking, Hashem answers the one who prays in the affirmative first [See Rashi to 21:1 citing Bava Kama 92A].
Moreover, we might add that it is not Pharaoh whom Yitzchak will later encounter, but Avimelech (perhaps a descendent). Twice later, Yitzchak will have a run-in with Avimelech, once, when his wife is abducted, and the second time, when Yitzchak has a dispute with the Plishtim over the same wells which Avraham disputed them. Yitzchak would renew Avraham’s covenant with Avimelech at Be’er Sheva [See Bereishis 21 and 26].
2b. Lot Rescued
In both stories, Lot is at risk and Avraham attempts to rescue him. The first time though, Avraham is coming as his uncle. Until after defeating the four kings, Avraham knew no other heir to his legacy than Lot.
However, in Vayeira, Avraham only rescues him from a remote distance by praying for the city Lot lived in, that they shouldn’t be destroyed. He doesn’t go out to war and he makes no mention of Lot when he prays. He was already told that he would have a child named Yitzchak. He was praying for Lot, not as a kin or heir, but as a fellowman. And even after Lot is saved from the upheaval in Sodom, Avraham maintains and possibly increases his distance from Lot [See Rashi to 20:1 citing Bereishis Rabbah 52:4].
3. Avraham’s Family
This one is obvious. Hagar and Sarah obviously did not get along. And there are many commentators who explain what the righteous Sarah fundamentally had against Hagar. But, Sarah would not actively send Hagar away just for “no reason” or mere jealousy. Sarah had a son, Yitzchak, whom she understood, could not share an inheritance with the likes of Yishmael. Yitzchak was the difference between these two stories.
4. The Sacrifice
Avraham was not only commanded to give himself a Bris Milah, but all of the men in his household. That included Yishmael and even his servants. The Akeidah, however, was a test just between Avraham and Yitzchak.
Bonus: Phantom Yitzchak’s
One more interesting piece of this puzzle is what I’ve decided to call “Phantom Yitzchak’s.” And what exactly are these “Phantom Yitzchak’s”?
Well, we’ve argued above, Yitzchak seems to be an apparent key difference between Lech Lecha and Vayeira. And above, we’ve explained how either explicitly or implicitly, Yitzchak marks that difference.
The Phantom Yitzchak’s, however, are these hidden references to Yitzchak which appear throughout our stories in Vayeira alone! They are not direct references to Yitzchak at all, and we might think of them as “anti-Yitzchak’s,” because, in some ways, they are actually the antithesis of Yitzchak, however, they are related to Yitzchak nonetheless. What am I talking about?
Yitzchak’s name [יצחק] comes from the root “Tz’chok” [צחק] which means “laughter.” He was named after Avraham’s joyous laughter upon the tidings in Lech Lecha that he would have a child [17:17-19]. In Vayeira though, we have these Phantom Yitzchak’s which are occasions of “laughter” which are corrupted, negative versions of laughter which have implications of mocking and cynicism.
- Sarah
When Avraham’s visitor tells him that he is going to have a son, the Torah tells us that Sarah, on her exalted level, laughed in denial, “Vatitzchak [ותצחק] Sarah B’Kirbah”-“And Sarah laughed to herself” [18:12].
- Lot
When Lot attempts to recruit his sons-in-law to flee the impending doom in Sodom, the Torah tells us that he is “Ch’Mitzacheik [כמצחק]”-“like a jester/mocker” in their eyes [19:14].
- Yishmael
When describing the negative behavior that Sarah observed in Yishmael’s conduct, it describes him too as “Mitzacheik”-“mocking/sporting” [21:9].
Indeed, none of these are references to Yitzchak himself. Particularly Lot and Yishmael were the prospective heirs to Avraham’s legacy, but indeed, they were not the true “Yitzchak.” Lot and Yishmael would fade into the background to make way for the real thing.
The question is what to do with all of this information. Avraham revisits old experiences, but they are modified by his new status as “Avraham” and the anticipation of “Yitzchak.” But, what does this all mean? How are we to relate to this difference between Lech Lecha and Vayeira in light of the differences we’ve identified in Avraham and Yitzchak?
The Balancing Act: “Av HaMon Goyim” vs. “Zera Avraham”
When we consider the meaning of the name “Avraham” and then look at Avraham’s experiences in Vayeira which apparently revolve around Yitzchak, we arrive at an obvious tension.
On the one hand, Hashem already told Avraham that the name “Avraham” means that Avraham would be an “Av HaMon Goyim”-“a father of a multitude of nations” [17:3], a father to many. It means that Avraham has to be concerned for people in the world around him. It is with this identity in mind, R’ Shimshon Raphael Hirsch explains, that Hashem tells Avraham about the fate of Sodom. And of course, Avraham cares about Lot, and certainly, his own son Yishmael. He hopes and prays for their welfare, as he should.
And yet, Hashem emphasizes that “Ki B’Yitzchak Yikarei Lecha Zara”-“For in Yitzchak, will it be considered for you, offspring” [21:12], that as important as his role as a father of multitudes is, his main priority has to be the true “Zera Avraham,” the essential progeny of Avraham, and that is Yitzchak Avinu. That means that Avraham cannot hang onto Lot. It means that of Yishmael and Yitzchak are at odds with one another, Avraham has to place Yitzchak first. That is because, indeed, Yitzchak is the one with whom Hashem has told Avraham at his Bris Milah that He would establish His covenant [17:19]. That is the message of the Vayeira versus Lech Lecha!
The culmination of this message is at the Akeidah when Hashem begins to simulate the end of the Abrahamic mission. It is at that fateful moment when Hashem stops Avraham at the last moment that He makes it unequivocally clear that Yitzchak is the one who will carry on Avraham’s mission and legacy.
In a sense, we can see this same dichotomy in Hashem’s relationship with us and the rest of the world. On the one hand, Hashem is the Father of all of Creation. Yet, Hashem declares, “B’ni Bechori Yisrael”-“My firstborn son, Yisrael” [Shemos 4:22], that we are His priority and focus.
And this same dichotomy should exist within all of us. On the one hand, we are an “Or LaGoyim”-“light unto the nations” [Yishaiyah 49:6], which means that we have a responsibility to the nations of the world around us. Yes, like Avraham Avinu, we have to be concerned for all of Hashem’s creations. And yet, we are Am Yisrael, which means that our Chessed (kindness) must begin at home. Like Avraham Avinu, nothing can come at odds with the priority and focus of our true family.
But, if we have our priorities straight and delicately balance out our responsibilities, appropriating our energies, not equally, but according to the extent of our obligations towards each one of them, we will successfully model Avraham Avinu, the Av HaMon Goyim and the forbearer of Zera Avraham and Klal Yisrael.
May we all be Zocheh to set our priorities straight and balance our responsibilities accordingly, doing Chessed in the world with a concentration on our Chessed at home, and Hashem should make us successful and do the same for us, actualizing His Bris with Avraham through us in the times of Moshiach, Bimheirah Biyomeinu! Have a Great Shabbos!
-Yehoshua Shmuel Eisenberg 🙂