Parashat Vayeira

Rabbi’s Drosh

As many of our children and grandchildren head into term four in lockdown, they face confusion and uncertainty as to what their end of year tests and exams will be like this year.

This week we too read about a test that also often leaves the reader with confusion and uncertainty - The Akeida (The binding of Isaac) where Abraham is given the test of sacrificing his son.

There is however a significant difference in the nature of the tests we face at school and the nature of this test faced by Abraham.

The Ramban (The Nachmanides) explains that in the classroom, the test that the teacher administers is essentially for the teacher to determine where the student is at with the material they have studied. The test provides the teacher with this information.

Hashem already knows everything about each ‘student‘ and therefore a test from Hashem is not for Hashem, but rather it is completely for the benefit of the individual being tested, that they have the opportunity to realise their potential.

In fact a better word than ‘test‘ is ‘trial’.

A trial from Hashem - like the trials faced by Abraham - is not designed to catch someone out for being bad, but rather is to give good people the opportunity to achieve even higher spiritual levels and gain even greater rewards.

Trials are not punishments from a Jewish perspective. Quite the opposite, as we can see by the example of our forefathers. We can see this recognised in secular society as well. It is generally acknowledged that successfully navigating trials can see a person gain wisdom, life experience and strength of character.

Many in our community are feeling tested at the moment. It has not been an easy time and there is a lot of uncertainty. We - as Jews - come from a long tradition of being tested and facing trials. It is in our blood to rise to the challenge and keep going no matter what…all the way back to our forefather Abraham!

Sending you all much strength and Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Friedler

Catch Up on the Lastest Class Recordings…

Between Promise and Reality - Abraham and the blessing of becoming a great nation

Join Rabbi and Deb for an exploration of Parashat Lech Lecha. The class looks at the promises and covenants between Hashem and Abraham and the impact they had on Abraham's journey. An important lesson in patience and faith for us all! (Class uses Artscroll Chumash)

Noah, the Flood and the Connection with Creation 

Join the Rabbi as he highlights the fascinating connections between Noah and the flood and the various days of creation. The class uses the Artscroll Chumash and draws on Rashi, Midrashic commentary and Talmud sources.