Parashat VaYera 5782: Human Sacrifice – Problematic or Profound?

Posted by Tovah Leah Nachmani on October 17, 2021
Topics: Pardes from Jerusalem, Bereishit (Genesis), Torah, VaYera

Parashat VaYera 5782: Human Sacrifice – Problematic or Profound?

Description: Why would Avraham’s 10th and final test be to participate in a cruel and despicable act of human sacrifice which blended him with the polythe,istic and immoral world that surrounded him? Is Avraham a madman or a hero? In what way does the test of the Akeda require us to rethink the way we serve God today? Is sacrifice good, and is there a possibility for a Win-Win in a relationship with a demanding God? This podcast presents three faces of the Akeda – historical, contextual, and midrashic/exegetical, in response to the question: Human sacrifice – Problematic or Profound?

Download the Source Sheet

Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad@pardes.org.il. We appreciate you leaving us a review with 5-stars if you enjoy these podcasts.

For more information about Pardes, visit our website www.pardes.org.il.

Credits
Tovah Leah Nachmani – Faculty and Host for Pardes from Jerusalem
Adam Titcher – Lead Consultant and Producer
Arlene Harel – Faculty Coordinator

About Tovah Leah Nachmani

Tovah Leah Nachmani has been inspiring students for 25 years, teaching Torah with Commentaries, Hebrew, Prayer, and Relationships Intimacy. She also serves as a dedicated faculty advisor to students at Pardes. She received her Teaching Certification with excellence in Tanach and Jewish Thought from the Michlelet Herzog Seminary in Gush Etzion, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University, with a degree in Religion and Near Eastern Language and Literature. Tovah Leah has written and guided experiential learning programs for decades, for Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations. She is also a Holistic health practitioner, promoting physical and emotional health. Tovah Leah and her husband Gabi live in Gush Etzion, are the grateful parents of seven children and are the active, loving grandparents of many grandchildren.

Keep Learning