A Word From The Rabbi
Dear Friend,
In this week's Torah portion, Vayeira, we read of Avraham's attempt to save the wicked city of Sodom. When G‑d told Avraham He was going to destroy Sodom, Avraham tried everything he could think of to dissuade Him, as the Torah tells us, "And Avraham drew near and said, 'Will You then destroy the righteous with the wicked?'"
Rashi, the foremost Torah commentator, explains the meaning of this verse: "Avraham attempted all these methods: speaking harshly, appeasement, and prayer."
Avraham was willing to do anything in order to save the city of Sodom. His first approach was to "speak harshly" to G‑d. When that wasn't effective, he tried to appease Him, and when that didn't work he resorted to prayer and supplication. All possible means were attempted in Avraham's bid to persuade G‑d to avert the decree.
Our Patriarch Avraham was referred to by G‑d as "Avraham, the one who loves Me." How then could Avraham have had the audacity to address G‑d harshly?
Also, why did Avraham begin his attempt to dissuade G‑d from carrying out His plan with harsh words, rather than first trying to appease G‑d in a more conciliatory manner, or with prayer? Wasn't Avraham characterized by his great kindness?
The key to understanding this lies in the fact that Avraham was faced with a matter involving the saving of lives. G‑d had already issued His decree; the angels had already been dispatched to destroy the city. Thus Avraham saw no other choice but to demand that G‑d change His mind, even if harsh words were required.
At such a time, Avraham did not allow himself the luxury of taking personal considerations into account. No method of persuasion was off-limits or out of bounds. The only thing that mattered was that the city of Sodom not be destroyed, and Avraham tried with all his might to prevent it from happening. Speaking harshly to G‑d was the antithesis of Avraham's nature; nonetheless, he did not refrain from doing so in the hope that it would bring about the desired effect of saving the city and its inhabitants.
We, the descendants of Avraham, must learn from his example and emulate his ways.
Whenever the saving of a Jewish life is involved, be it in the physical or spiritual sense, we cannot stop to weigh our choices or to calculate our options. The thing to do is act, and to act immediately. All of our efforts, all of our strengths and energy must be used to that end, even if it is contrary to our nature and even if harsh words are required. For all methods are permissible when it comes to saving the life of a fellow Jew.
Wishing you a successful and productive week,
Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director