Parshas Vayeira for Kids
פרשת וירא
Three visitors arrive at Avraham's tent in the heat of the day, and he runs to serve them. Sarah laughs, Sedom burns, and at the end Avraham is asked for the one thing he cannot imagine giving - and Yitzchak is spared.
In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.
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What happens in Parshas Vayeira
Avraham Avinu sits at the entrance of his tent on a very hot day, and Rashi explains that Hashem came to visit him because he was not feeling well. Even so, Avraham is looking for guests, and when three travelers appear he runs to greet them, washes their feet and serves them a feast. Rashi teaches that they were malachim, each with his own mission; one brings the news that Sarah Imeinu will have a son within a year.
Hashem tells Avraham that the wicked city of Sedom will be destroyed, and Avraham pleads again and again for the people there. Lot and his daughters are saved. Then, just as promised, Yitzchak is born, and Sarah rejoices. At the end of the parsha comes the Akeidah: Hashem asks Avraham to bring Yitzchak as an offering, and father and son walk up the mountain together. At the last moment a malach calls out to stop him, and a ram is offered instead.
Lessons and middos for children
Hachnasas orchim
Avraham Avinu ran to welcome guests even when he did not feel well. We can greet guests with a smile, offer them a drink, and make them feel at home.Caring about everyone
Avraham Avinu davened even for the people of Sedom. We can daven for others and wish good things for them too.Emunah
Avraham and Yitzchak walked up the mountain together, trusting Hashem. Hashem is with us wherever we go.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- What did Avraham Avinu serve his three guests? What would you serve guests who came to our house?
- Why do you think Avraham Avinu ran to greet the guests instead of walking?
- Avraham Avinu davened for the people of Sedom. Who would you like to daven for this Shabbos?
- How can you help when guests come to our Shabbos table?
How your child steps into the story
Your child is at Avraham Avinu's tent when the three travelers arrive, helping to carry cool water and fresh bread out to the guests. The story ends with the family together again, and a hint of the next chapter: a search for the right wife for Yitzchak.