Vayeira – holy scribbles

The Three Angels

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” – Psalm 51:6

“The glory of the L-rd was revealed to him in the valley of Mamre; and he, being ill from the pain of circumcision, sat at the door of the tabernacle in the fervor (or strength) of the day.”

– Targum Jonathan on Genesis 18:1, sefaria.org

“And the L-rd appeared to him. How? Three men who were angels came to him.” – Rashbam, sefaria.org

(selected passage Genesis 18:1-22)

Saadia Gaon contends, that because the three men that visited Abraham had departed, yet, Abraham remained in the presence of the L-rd, those three men, otherwise described as angels could not be counted as “identical with G-d” (commentary on Genesis 18:1, sefaria.org). Yet, the question remains that if only two angels arrived in Sodom, what occurred to the angel who goes unmentioned? Could the omission imply that the unmentioned angel remained with Abraham? If so, then, it may be said that it is as if G-d’s presence was present, as a result of the concomitant presence of this angel.

Truth is uncertain in the face of adversity; and, clarification is sought, yet, not always arrived at in a clear manner. And, so the mystery remains, in regard to the nature of the three angels, and their relationship to G-d’s presence that appeared to Abraham. Yet, it is noteworthy to consider that there is more to the narrative than we can comprehend; and, perhaps there are a few other clues to assist us in our understanding of the passage.

In further consideration of the angels being addressed as L-rd in both the singular and plural, the question may be asked, that if G-d is One, then perhaps this is a composite oneness, as denoted by the use of the word echad elsewhere in kitvei kodesh (holy scripture). For example, Adam and Eve are described as being echad. Also, the cluster of grapes brought back from Echol is “echad.” And, the men of the tribe of Judah that went out to battle are all described as echad. So, G-d’s Oneness, may be understood as a composite unity of three, if we stretch the margin of our intellect.

Redemption of Israel

dvar for parasha Vayeira (Exodus 6:2 – 9:35) 5783

Moses was not content with the status quo at the time that he was growing up in Pharaoh’s court. Having known of his lineage, that he was indeed a Hebrew, raised up by Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya, he commiserated with his brethren. In all likelihood, he sought solace apart from the court activities, solitude away from the regal distractions of luxury, and took early morning walks prompted by his soul-stirrings.

On one of these walks, he encountered one of his brethren being beaten by an Egyptian taskmaster. He defended his brother against the Egyptian, and buried the Egyptian in the sand. Perhaps, he thought that this would motivate the Israelites to rise up against their captors. Yet, when he learned the next morning that his reprisal against the Egyptian was known, he was compelled to flee for his life.

He became a shepherd in Midian, and once, while searching for a stray sheep, encountered G-d at the burning bush. So, it wasn’t until forty years after leaving Egypt, that he was given his mission from G-d to serve as the redeemer of his people Israel, alongside his brother, Aaron. And, through G-d’s intervention for the sake of His people, the plagues were sent upon the Egyptian people, as mentioned in parasha Vayeira, wherein the first seven plagues are noted.

It is human nature to be drawn toward some higher purpose in life, unique to the calling of ourselves as individuals. Yet, too easily, without the proper soul-searching necessary in order to find one’s purpose in life, people may get caught up in the most convenient way to find ready-made meaning, such as a movement that promises some type of liberation for self and others. This is not the way to discover one’s true purpose in life, and the implications are far-reaching.

On the one hand, if we bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich was mistakenly thought to do, then we will perceive nothing like we should, within the framework of truth, values, and responsibility. Moses knew who he was; his identity was secure in his association with his kindred people, the Israelites. Today, many in the West suffer from identity confusion at the core of our beings, if our roots have been severed.

And, in such a climate of dissociation from heritage, not anchored in past traditions, beliefs, and practices, lost in doubt about their purpose, people can be easily swayed. Consequently, riding on the wake of the false promises of progressivism, the masses will eagerly receive the promise of a utopia.

Moses was chosen as the redeemer, to bring the message of freedom, along with Aaron to Pharaoh. Moses served as a conduit for G-d’s power, expressed through the plagues and the miracle at the Sea of Reeds. We look to the Final Redeemer, who will serve as a beacon of light in this world of darkness.