Parashat Vayeira Commentary (2025)

​When Heaven Touches Earth

​"Then Adonai appeared to him…" These opening words set the tone for what we discover to be one of the most theologically charged passages in the Torah. Genesis 18-22 walks us through a theophany (a form of visible appearance of the Most High), covenant promises coming to fruition, intercessory prayer that holds God's attention, and a test of faith so extreme it nearly breaks the narrative itself. For followers of Yeshua, this parsha shines with a particular richness and depth. The patterns established here in this parsha don't just repeat in the New Testament: they culminate in it.​ In fact, Vayeira is one of the most referenced sections of Genesis in the New Testament (after last week’s Lekh-Lekha and of course the opening parsha, Bereshit). This parsha is a common referent in the Mishnah as well, and for good reason, there are so many meaty passages here. No doubt, the young Bar or Bat Mitzvah who has Vayeira as their parsha has no shortage of topics to drash about. But enough of that for now. (Note: I am proceeding with the assumption you have already read the parsha, and if you haven't...pause for a few minutes and go do that first, please!)

Read More