The Power of Prayer & Kindness: Timeless Lessons from Parashat Vayeira (2023)

Good evening, everyone.

This message is dedicated in loving memory of my dear husband, HaRav Shlomo ben Harav Yitzchak, z"l, for an Aliyah (ascension of the soul). May it also bring comfort and healing to all who are wounded or in need of Yeshua (salvation). May Hashem swiftly return all those held captive and missing.

The Urgency of Prayer in Challenging Times

In these difficult days, our tefillos (prayers) are more crucial than ever. Every prayer counts. Our sages teach: “Even in total despair, never give up hope.” As the verse says:

“Kaveh Hashem, chazak v’ya’ametz libecha, v’kaveh Hashem”(Hope in Hashem; strengthen yourself, take courage, and hope in Hashem.)

Amid darkness, Hashem can bring sudden light. The gematria of ye’ush (despair) is 317, and Eliezer—who fought alongside Avraham—is 318. Adding the Aleph (for Ein Od Milvado — there is none besides Him) turns the impossible into reality.

The Fast Lane to Hashem: Collective Prayer

A beautiful idea this week compared collective prayer to Israel’s “Nativ Tachburah Tziborit” — a fast lane for public buses. Our “fast lane” to Hashem is Nativ Tefillah — the path of united prayer.

When we pray together—whether physically together or spiritually connected—our prayers gain immense power. Saying Tehillim (Psalms) and responding with sincere Amen and Yehei Shmei Rabba strengthens our connection to the Ribbono Shel Olam (Master of the Universe).

A story told by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe illustrates this: During the Holocaust, a family about to be executed was saved when their youngest child recited the blessing “Shehakol Nihye Bidvaro” with deep kavana (intention), and the family responded “Amen.” At that moment, the soldiers fled, and the family was saved. This teaches us the power of sincere prayer and communal response.

The Power of Pure Speech: Aligning Our Words with Hashem

For our prayers to reach the Kissei HaKavod (Throne of Glory), the “tools” — our mouths — must be pure. In challenging times, we must be vigilant against lashon hara (negative speech) and sinat chinam (baseless hatred).

The power of kind, uplifting speech is enormous. Hashem judges us “Mida k’neged Mida” — measure for measure. Positive speech brings positive divine response.

Lessons from Parashat Vayeira: Chesed, Faith & Sacrifice

The Torah tells us:“Ma’aseh Avot Siman L’Banim” — The actions of the forefathers are a guide for their descendants.

Avraham’s Boundless Chesed: Going Beyond Logic

At 99 years old, Avraham performed Brit Milah (circumcision) with immense mesirat nefesh (self-sacrifice), enduring pain without anesthesia. Despite having the Shechina (Divine Presence) in his home, his chesed (kindness) was so great he never missed an opportunity to do good.

This trait, passed down to us, inspires us to perform acts of kindness lifnim mishurat hadin (beyond the letter of the law) — with joy and eagerness, not obligation.

Sodom’s Downfall: The Cost of Lacking Kindness

Hashem chose Avraham because he commanded his household to walk in tzedakah (charity) and mishpat (justice), emphasizing kindness above strict justice.

Sodom, once a “Gan Eden,” was destroyed due to wickedness and refusal to share wealth or kindness. They even killed those who helped the poor.

The Echo of One Cry: The Power of One Individual

The cry of one girl—Lot’s daughter—who secretly fed a poor man in Sodom, ultimately led to its destruction. Despite immense cruelty, her single act of kindness had a cosmic impact.

This teaches us that every individual’s actions can tip the scales of the world, for good or bad.

Hope from Unexpected Places: Ruth & Naamah

Even from the corrupted nations of Moab and Ammon, represented by Lot’s daughters, emerged righteous souls:

• Ruth the Moabitess, ancestor of King David and Mashiach

• Naamah the Ammonitess, wife of King Solomon

This reminds us never to give up hope on anyone, as Hashem can bring greatness from unlikely sources.

True Security is Trust in Hashem Alone

Avraham made a treaty with King Avimelech seeking peace, but this treaty later brought complications. True security comes not from treaties or alliances but from trusting Hashem, the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Avraham’s faith shone brightest during the Akedah (Binding of Yitzchak). He rose early, with joy and readiness, to fulfill Hashem’s command. This spirit of mesirat nefesh sustains us in our hardest moments.

Conclusion: May Our Prayers and Kindness Bring Redemption

Through sincere tefillos, acts of chesed, and unwavering mesirat nefesh, we strengthen our bond with Hashem.

May we merit a complete Geulah (redemption) speedily in our days.