VAYEIRA Meaning and
Definition
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Vayeira is a Hebrew word that holds specific significance in Judaism. It is derived from the Hebrew root "ra'ah," which means "to see" or "to appear." In the Jewish tradition, Vayeira is also the name of the fifth weekly Torah portion in the book of Genesis (Bereishit).
From a biblical perspective, Vayeira refers to the narrative in Genesis Chapter 18, where Abraham, the revered patriarch, encounters three angelic visitors who inform him about the future birth of his son, Isaac. In this portion, the angels also announce the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. Furthermore, the Vayeira portion also encompasses Abraham's pleading with God to spare the cities if just ten righteous individuals can be found within them.
Beyond its biblical context, Vayeira also carries broader meaning in Jewish theology and practice. It symbolizes the divine act of revelation and God's presence being revealed to humanity. It represents the idea that God appears and manifests Himself to individuals, conveying important messages or interventions. Furthermore, Vayeira signifies the concept of hospitality and kindness, as demonstrated by Abraham's welcoming and taking care of the wandering strangers.
Overall, in Judaism, Vayeira is a multifaceted term that encapsulates the biblical account of Abraham's encounter with the angels, as well as broader themes of divine revelation and hospitality.
Etymology of VAYEIRA
The word "vayeira" is derived from the Hebrew language, specifically from the original Hebrew text of the Torah (תּוֹרָה). "Vayeira" is the transliteration of the Hebrew word וַיֵּרָא, which is the third word in the Torah portion known as Parashat Vayeira.
In Hebrew, וַיֵּרָא is the third-person masculine singular form of the verb רָאָה (ra'ah), meaning "to see" or "to behold". Therefore, "vayeira" is commonly translated as "And He appeared", referring to the beginning of the Torah portion where God appears to Abraham.
