Women confront one another, not always agreeing, but possibly affecting or effecting positive progress. Women’s rights are challenged in the home, workplace, and political circles. Relationships of and between women remain of great concern today. And Hagar can protect Ishmael by being aware and open. In and of itself, this has proved to be of ongoing importance to how diversity and history affect us all. While we do not read more about their lives, we eventually come to understand that Ishmael becomes the leader of Islam. G-d hears their cries and tells Hagar to “open her eyes” to take care of Ishmael and that Ishmael will become a great leader in his upcoming life. While in the throes of this banishment, Hagar is probably frightened and listens to her son in distress. Our Torah tells us that while she or the adults involved may have handled this situation better, she ensured the future for her child and, possibly, in a way, for the Jewish people. Sarah believed that she was being a good mother. Isaac eventually follows his father as a leader of his people. Sarah has protected Isaac in the way that suited her situation. Hagar and Ishmael are banished without options. Sarah sees Ishmael as an ongoing threat to Isaac and wants that threat removed. How this teasing is managed is essential. Typical of the times, servants or handmaidens bore children who became a part of the “family.” We have all witnessed older siblings tease their younger siblings. She gives birth to Isaac and is a concerned mother and wife. It is likely that she was surprised, even shocked, and responded aloud. She laughs when she overhears messengers telling Abraham that she will bear a child after all those years of childlessness. Sarah is a dutiful, aging wife who has not borne a child to her husband. Let us consider the roles of women then and now. Sarah does not accompany Abraham when he plans to sacrifice Isaac but is grief-stricken by the possibility, and that grief likely caused her death. Abraham is about to comply but is given a reprieve in yet another test by G-d.ĩ. G-d tests Abraham asking him to sacrifice Isaac. G-d (or his messenger) tells Hagar to “open her eyes.” She learns that Ishmael will become a leader of people. Hagar and Ishmael are in the wilderness, where Ishmael suffers and Abraham is advised to “listen to Sarah” and acts accordinglyħ. Sarah sees her son Isaac being teased and his future possibly threatened by Ishmael and asks Abraham to banish both Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah’s handmaiden, Hagar, whom Sarah gave to Abraham, had given birth to Ishmael.Ħ. Sarah spends time in Abimelech’s harem but is returned to Abraham. When Sarah and Abraham visit Abimelech, Abraham introduces Sarah as his sister. Lot’s wife is ultimately punished and becomes a pillar of salt because she defies orders and “looks back.”Ĥ. G-d and Abraham negotiate regarding the possible destruction of Sodom and Gomorrahģ. Sarah laughs when she overhears the visitors (or angels) telling Abraham that she will bear a child. So, let’s consider the issues found in Parashat Vayeira:ġ. Our current and ongoing issues about relationships, women’s roles and rights, family matters, and behaviors of people in their communities once again remind us that each parashah holds a myriad of lessons for us today. Parashat Vayeira has many facets and stories with multiple opportunities for thought, discussion, and learning.
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