Bereshit - Vayera (Genesis 18:1–22:24)

All recordings are created by copying Sefaria using the Kehot Chumash from Chabad english translation. The Text to Voice is using English AI... sorry for any weird speech.Please note that release schedule is based on the year 5786. Some weeks do not have a Parsha. You can always look up the current Parsha Here.If you like the recording please consider donating to ⁠⁠⁠Chabad⁠⁠⁠ to help continue their effort to make resources like this more accessible to the Jewish population!BereshitVayera (Genesis 18:1–22:24)Abraham’s tent is open on a hot day when three mysterious visitors arrive; he rushes to serve them, and they promise that Sarah will bear a son—prompting her incredulous laugh. God reveals the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham argues for the cities in a bold plea for justice. Two angels reach Sodom, save Lot from a violent mob, and urge his family to flee; Lot’s wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt. In the aftermath, Lot’s daughters seek a future for their line.Abraham and Sarah’s wandering brings them to Gerar, where a tense encounter with King Avimelech ends with divine intervention. Isaac is born and named for laughter; a painful household conflict leads to Hagar and Ishmael’s departure, yet God hears their cries and promises Ishmael a nation. Abraham secures a well at Be’er Sheva. Finally comes the Akedah—the Binding of Isaac—where Abraham climbs Mount Moriah to answer God’s test. A voice from heaven stops the knife, a ram is offered instead, and the covenant is reaffirmed. The portion closes with a genealogy that quietly introduces Rebecca, the future wife of Isaac. Themes to listen for: radical hospitality, arguing with Heaven for justice, laughter turning to faith, the cost of covenantal loyalty, and a trust that walks to the edge and finds a ram in the thicket.