Weekly Announcements
Ahavat Yisrael of Wesley Hills Announcements
Vayeira
Oct 22 – Oct 29
16 Cheshvan – 23 Cheshvan
Mask Rules
The use of a mask covering the mouth and nose at all times is mandatory for all children under 12 and all others who are not fully vaccinated for Covid. If a child cannot wear a mask, please do not bring them to Shul at this point.All others are encouraged to use masks but are not obligated to do so. Those who want more space should use the garage seating. When finding a seat in the Shul please do try to leave 3 feet from the next persons' seat
Condolences to Michael Chasen & family on the passing of his father Moe Chasen. If you are interested in joining the Mishnayos learning please see link to sign up in available spots.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e8z7yARg3tQUmMCyMZCJt7cGGzFU8r1IQeB3VBAvC9s/edit?usp=sharing
“I want to thank everybody for coming to all the minyanim and for all the meals during the shiva. Your kindness and friendship are very much appreciated.” From Michael Chasen and Family
Please remember to send in your donations for Yom Kippur and Yizkor pledges.
SCHEDULE At Shul & Home
FRIDAY (10/22)
Mincha and Candle lighting: 5:46 PM
SHABBAT (10/23)
Shacharis : 9:00 AM (with R. Yishmael, say brachos at home)
Latest time for shma: 9:58 AM
Parsha Shiur: 4:50 PM
Mincha: 5:30 PM
Shabbos Ends: 6:48 PM
Maariv: 6:54 PM
SUNDAY (10/24)
Shacharis: 8:00 AM
Rabbi’s Gemara Shiur in person and zoom: 8:45 AM https://zoom.us/j/3812539596
Mincha/Maariv: 5:50 PM
MONDAY - THURSDAY (10/25-10/28)
Maariv 9pm
Wednesday: 8:15 PM Parsha Previews on zoom https://zoom.us/j/3812539596
Dvar Torah & Thoughts on Vayeira
Rabbi Asher Bush
A most striking picture of Avraham is provided as he recuperates from his bris mila at age 99. It is the heat of the day, and he is sitting under a tree relaxing, trying to stay somewhat cool. But all plans regarding his personal comfort are dropped the moment he looks up and sees the three men who are to become his guests. Forgetting about his personal comfort, he runs out the greet these men, and mobilizes his entire household to prepare for them and to make them comfortable.
While this is certainly a most well-known story, it is one that needs to be read more slowly: he is not feeling particularly well, he is trying to recuperate from his bris and he sees some complete strangers in the distance. He certainly could have ignored them, or politely told them that he was just recuperating and would be happy to host them when he would be feeling better. But this is not who Avraham was and not what he would do. His concern and efforts for the wellbeing of others even exceeded his own personal interests.
It is most striking to note that this is true both on a physical level and on a spiritual level. On a physical level it is seen here, as he pushes himself seemingly effortlessly to host in a most dignified manner. If we didn’t know that he was recuperating from the bris, there is no indication in his conduct that either his advanced age or infirmity should have prevented him or even slowed him down.
On a spiritual level this is seen in the very same story, as Rashi explains וירא אליו ה' to be a Divine visitation was presently taking place in the aftermath of his bris, yet upon seeing these three men, he says “excuse me God, I have some people who need me to help them out”, and he interrupts this encounter with the Divine. His own spiritual experience was put on hold as he attended to the physical needs of three strangers.
This same spirit of putting the needs for others first is seen in his prayers for the people of S’dom. While it is certainly true that he is hoping that righteous folks exist in S’dom, he is praying for all of them. He is praying for the survival and continuation of this community whose values are the absolute antithesis of all that he lived for, a life of chesed, caring and sharing. It almost sounds crazy, if he considered that all to be so wrong and just missing the point of a good life, how can he literally beg God to save them? And indeed, there may be a paradox. Some suggest that part of this prayer was that the good could and should influence the others, but no such condition is stated, and as experience shows, this certainly cannot be taken for granted. That is a fact that Avraham had already learned most painfully in dealing with his nephew Lot.
So perhaps the only clear part of the picture that does immerge is that Avraham knew one thing, that as much as he would like to experience holiness and share that with others, and he certainly put in his efforts towards that end, the results were not in his control. The only thing that was in his control was what was right and what was wrong, and how he would put that into his own life. To some this may sound almost disappointing, but to countless Jews throughout the ages this is a large part of what gave such amazing strength and courage to do the will of God and live the right life regardless of what others said, did or thought of us.