B"H

Friday, Mar-Cheshvan 19, 5781 / November 6, 2020

In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we read about happiness and laughter.  We read about the birth of our patriarch, Yitzchak (Isaac), who was named Yitzchak which comes from the word “Tzchok,” meaning laughter.

At the end of the Parsha we read about G-d testing Abraham commanding him to bring his beloved son, Yitzchak, for a sacrifice. At the last minute, an angel from heaven told him that it was only a test.

The reason for his name Yitzchak is found in last week's Parsha, Lech Lecha.  G-d told Abraham that his wife Sarah will give birth to a son. Upon hearing this, "Abraham fell upon his face and laughed."  Abraham's laughter was an expression of happiness and joy for this great miracle. 

G-d then told Abraham to name the child Yitzchak, which is laughter. In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we read about Yitzchak’s birth and circumcision on the eighth day and Abraham named him Yitzchak.

Q. Why did Yitzchak’s birth bring so much laughter?

A. Yitzchak was born to his parents, Abraham and Sarah, when Sarah was 90 and Abraham 100.  One can imagine what great joy and laughter his birth brought them. In addition, many women who couldn’t have children were also blessed with children, thus bringing laughter to many.

Yitzchakwas the only one of our patriarchs to have his name chosen by G-d, unlike Abraham and Jacob, whose names was chosen by their parents.

While Abraham and Yaakov’s original names were later changed by G-d, as told in the Torah, Yitzchak’s name was never changed.  Yitzchak was the name given by G-d and a name which reminds us of happiness.

Q. How important is happiness in Judaism? 

A. The scriptures tell us that it is a mitzvah to serve G-d with happiness. Later in the Torah Moshe warns the Jewish people about G-d’s punishment for not serving G-d with happiness and Joy. The service in the Holy Temple was performed with all kinds of musical instruments and song.

Very wise words from one of the sages, “While joy and happiness may not in itself be one of the 613 mitzvot, yet, happiness can bring a person to such great heights where no other mitzvah can. By the same token, sadness and dejection may not be one of the sins, yet, to the lowest levels to which sadness can bring a person, no other sin can...” May we all experience great joy and happiness.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 4:16 / Shabbat ends: 5:19