Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Parasha Overview: Vayera (Videos)

Weekly Sidra: Vayera (And he appeared) Torah Portion: Bereshit / Genesis 18:1-22:24 Haftorah: Melachim Bet / Kings II 4:1-4:23 Vayeira, Vayera, or Va-yera (וַיֵּרָא — Hebrew for "and He appeared,” the first word in the parshah) is the fourth weekly Torah portion (parshah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. It constitutes Genesis 18:1–22:24 Jews read it on the fourth Sabbath after Simchat Torah, generally in October or November. The Parasha starts “And he appeared” because the first story describes how HaShem appeared to Abraham one day as he sat outside his tent. Section Vayera continues with the series of tests of faith for Abraham, concluding in one great and final trial. Last week's parsha was Lech-Lecha, and at the very end of it, God gave Avraham Avinu the commandment of circumcision, and Avraham and his household were circumcised. Circumcision is referred to not only as a mitzvah – a particular method of connecting to God – but, more importantly, as a covenant. I.e. it encapsulates the message of Judaism in general. Note: On the Shabbat the Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading. Here are this week`s aliyot: 1st Aliya: The three angels appear to Avraham and foretell the birth of...