Parashat VaYera continues telling the story of the life of our patriarch, Abraham, the climax of which is the almost sacrifice of his son, a founding narrative common to our Torah and the Moslem Koran.The narrative teaches us of Abraham`s unique and great faith.

His advocacy for the innocent righteous of Sodom and Gemorrah shows us how profound was his commitment to justice. He was willing to challenge his Creator for their sake.

This is expounded clearly in the following verses which precede that argument, and from which the name of our organization is taken:

…Abraham is to become a great and populous nation and all the nations of the earth are to find in him blessing

For I know of him that he will instruct his children and posterity to follow the way of the Lord to do justice and right (Genesis, 18, 18-19)

An examination of the proximity of these two verses leads one to the conclusion that the mission of the descendents of Abraham is to contribute to the world in a unique way, that of morality and justice.

I pray that we of Shomrei Mishpat will succeed in realizing this ideal and bringing closer the day when the children of Isaac and Ishmael, the two victims/sacrifices in this story will become examples of justice and right in this world, will no longer be a source of hatred and bloodshed.

This will be possible when we finally stop seeing ourselves, Palestinians and Israelis, as suffering victims and find the kind of courage and faith exemplified by Abraham, our common father.

Recent Articles by Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann

• Shabbat Hazon: The struggle with issues of injustice and abuse - August 7th, 2008
• RHR provides summer camp for Bedouin children - July 18th, 2008
• Qorah: Human Rights for Heavens Sake - June 26th, 2008
• Behaalotekha: Where is there hope? - June 13th, 2008
• Behar: Proclaiming liberty throughout the land - May 15th, 2008
• Response to Haaretz investigation - November 23rd, 2007
• Shelah: Entering the Promised Land - June 8th, 2007
• Bo: Working for the liberty and dignity of others - January 26th, 2007
• VaYyiggash: Spiritual liberty and freedom from greed and cruelty - December 29th, 2006
• Vayyera: Examples of justice and right in this world - November 10th, 2006
• Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann Keynotes at the Symposium of Peace and Religion - May 15th, 2006
• Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann - May 12th, 2006
• Peace and Religion: The greatest gift we can bestow our children from our rich religious teachings - May 12th, 2006

Categories: Bereshit / Genesis, Vayyera
Tags: Emor, human rights, palestinians, settlers