Parsha Potpourri: Parshas Vayeira � Vol. 4, Issue 4

Parsha Potpourri

Compiled by Oizer Alport

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/parsha.php

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In Parshas Emor, the Torah lists the Biblical festivals and their laws. In discussing the mitzvos of Sukkos, the Torah commands us to take four species: lulav, esrog, hadasim, and aravos. However, none of the species are referred to in the verse using the names by which we know them. The esrog is called (Vayikra 23:40) a ??? ?? ???, the fruit of a beautiful tree. Commenting on this verse, the Medrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:10) cryptically remarks that this refers to Avrohom. How is this Medrash to be understood, and in what way is Avrohom comparable to an esrog?

In our verse, the Torah records that on the third day of traveling, Avrohom raised his eyes and saw the location where he was to perform the Akeidah. The Medrash Tanchuma (22) questions why Hashem waited three days to show the place to Avrohom? The Medrash answers that He did so to prevent the nations of the world from arguing that Avrohom was overcome by a momentary burst of emotion and slaughtered his son. Instead, Avrohom had three days to carefully and rationally consider the consequences of his actions. Even so, he passed this and nine other trials (Avos 5:3) to which Hashem subjected him with flying colors, demonstrating the reliability and consistency associated with the esrog.

We live in a society which bombards us each day with new obligations and new distractions. As a result, excuses, explanations, and requests for extensions have become commonplace and accepted. While they keep us out of trouble at work and in our interactions with others, we should realize that Judaism holds us to a higher standard. The next time we catch ourselves justifying our inability to perform a mitzvah due to extenuating circumstances, let us remember the importance of the Korban Tamid and strive to achieve the consistency of Avrohom and the esrog.

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The following humorous, if fictional, story will help us understand her intentions. A proctor was administering a final exam for a large college class. After giving several warnings, he announced that time had expired and exam booklets must be brought forward. One student continued frantically writing.

As the intensity and focus of Rosh Hashana is still fresh in our minds, we can take this lesson with us throughout the upcoming year. If we live in our own vacuums, praying for and focusing on our own needs, we will be judged on our own merits, a terrifying thought. However, if we affiliate ourselves with a community, becoming an active part of our synagogues and volunteering to help with communal organizations, we will benefit from their collective merits. As a result, we will enjoy next Rosh Hashana an inscription for a year of health, happiness, and all good blessings!

Answers to the weekly Points to Ponder are now available!

To receive the full version with answers email the author at [email protected].

Parsha Points to Ponder (and sources which discuss them):

3) Was Yitzchok required to recite Birkas HaGomel (the thanksgiving blessing) after being saved from sure death at the Akeidah? (Machazik Brocha Orach Chaim 219)

These Divrei Torah are adapted from Parsha Shiurim given by the author.