What's the Spiel? - Parshat Vayera

What's the Spiel?

15 Cheshvan 5785 - November 16, 2024

Parshat Vayera

Rabbi's Reflections

-There is Always a Sacrifice to be Made-

Parshat Vayera teaches us about the Akeidat Yitzchak, the Binding of Isaac. After God told Avraham not to sacrifice his son, he goes and offers something else, as it says, “And Avraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son” (Bereshit 22:13). If God called off the sacrifice of Yitzchak, why did Avraham still feel the need to give something? According to the Ramban, the bringing of a Korban, a sacrifice, is supposed to have a real and lasting impact on the one who offers it – it’s supposed to change their attitude, character-traits, actions, words and thoughts – all to bring that person to a closer relationship with God. Says the Ramban, if a person did something to warrant the bringing of a sacrifice, they should look at the sacrifice being offered and think, "that should be me. I deserve the fate of that animal. But that's not happening, because God, in His mercy, accepts this animal as a substitute for me."

Based on this idea, Rav Soloveitchik explains that "the exchange of Yitzchak for a ram is similar to a Kinyan Chalipin, that is, a halakhic means to transfer ownership by exchanging a valuable item with another item which can be worth less than a penny. So, although the instrument of the transaction is essentially worthless, the exchange is effective. Similarly, although the value of the ram is vanishingly small in comparison to Yitzchak himself, God in His mercy was willing to accept the ram as a substitute" (Chumash Mesoret HaRav, Bereshit 22:13). And here's the key point: "God does not always require a sacrifice commensurate with the Akeidah. Yet a Jew must still learn to bring a Korban, a sacrifice, to give something up, to surrender something he very much desires, or to participate in something he would rather not do" (Ibid.). To help illustrate this point, the Rav gives the following example: “[imagine] a Jew sitting in a business meeting, the sun is setting, and he has not yet davened Mincha. Now, if he were to leave the meeting and pray, his colleagues might scoff at him, they may feel annoyed or even take offense. The man desperately searches for some halakhic loophole so he will be able to discharge his obligation at a more convenient time and place. He thinks to himself that under these circumstances, perhaps he can be considered a shogeg, one who inadvertently forgot to pray," so he can make that prayer up at a later time. Now these halakhic considerations are not the main thing. The main thing, the Rav says, is "that the person feels, on some level, ashamed of what he has to do as a Jew. He cannot do anything that will cause him a moment's discomfort; he cannot bear the thought that a colleague might smile patronizingly as he sways during his prayer. The man does not understand the concept of sacrifice. This attitude that causes him to compromise on this particular Mincha prayer will follow him throughout his life" (Ibid.).

To be a Jew is to learn how to make sacrifices and to understand that God doesn't need the biggest and the best, God doesn't need blood, sweat and tears. What God needs, in exchange for the more valuable, is your sincere effort, little every day efforts, to do something to bring and assert God in your life. And maybe that's uncomfortable. Maybe that sets you apart or makes you feel self-conscious. But God will always accept that. So why did Avraham feel the need to offer a sacrifice in exchange for Yitzchak? Because for a Jew, a sacrifice is always required, and even a lesser thing will be accepted for a greater one if done sincerely and intentionally.

This Shabbat, let's think about the kinds of sacrifices we make in order to live good, moral, ethical Jewish lives. Let's think about the little things we can do every day to show that we want a closer relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. We can't be afraid or ashamed of who and what we are and of what God expects of us. Because if we are, if that's who we are, then when will we make a sacrifice when it really counts? We have to be willing, even in small ways, to do something to draw closer to God. True, God doesn't need a Yitzchak, but He does need your heart, and if you give Him that, then, “I will open the windows of heaven for you, and shower you with every blessing” (Malachi 3:10).

Shabbat Shalom!

-Rabbi Dan

Schedule of Services at B'nai Abraham

Friday, November 15

Candle Lighting – 5:16PM

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 5:10PM

Saturday, November 16

Shacharit – 9:00AM

Kid's Service – 10:30AM

Mincha – 5:10PM

Maariv/Havdallah – 6:12PM

Sunday, November 17

Shacharit - 8:30AM

Monday - Friday

Shacharit - 7:05AM

CTI Announcements

CTI extends its deepest condolences to Jake Wolfson on the passing of his father, Howard Wolfson, Chaim David ben Yaakov. May his memory be a blessing.

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Don't miss out on our only Scholar in Residence Program of 2024, coming up on November 22 & 23, featuring Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman! The Shabbaton includes four different talks over Shabbat and an incredible Friday night dinner catered by Gail's Catering! Click here to get all the details and don;t forget to register for the dinner by the November 18 deadline!

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ISRAEL BONDS

Thank you Sean & Meredith Clifford for sponsoring Kiddush in celebration of Jack Clifford's 11th birthday.

Kiddish sponsorship is a great way to honor a loved one's memory or celebrate a special occasion while also giving a little back to the community. Please note that we are now reserving sponsorships for 2025! There are no available sponsorships left for this year. THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors. Look for an extensive list of donors to be published at the beginning of next year thanking all those who have contributed to a kiddush sponsorship during 2024.

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Mazel Tov!

Noa Millner, Birthday on November 18
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