Vayeira
The story and destruction of Sodom and Amora is a big part of this week's Parsha.
Prior to G‑d's bringing punishment to Sodom, the verse describes how G‑d shares his plans with Avraham. "And the Lord said, "Shall I conceal from Abraham what I am doing?"
The Abarbanel asks, what was the purpose for this disclosure to Avraham? Unlike Noach who needed to know about the upcoming flood, in order to build the Ark and ultimately be saved, Avraham was in no way included in this.
The Abrabanel explains that the answer lies within the words of the verse itself. With three specific details.
"For I have known him (Avraham) because he commands his sons and his household after him"
First of all, it offers a lesson, when and with whom to share sensitive information with. Keeping secrets are important the Abrabanel says, when you are privy to someone else's secret. Your own plans however are meant to be shared with those who are close to you.
Being that Avraham loved G‑d and vice versa, it is the natural expression of closeness, in our case G‑d with Avraham- to share their plans with each other.
Secondly, since Avraham was blessed with the promise G‑d made to him, that a great nation would emerge from his descendants, G‑d did not want him to fear that his family would be met with the same fate.
That is why G‑d tells Avraham that if there were even ten righteous people he would not destroy the city. Sodom was destroyed as punishment for their action, not for any other reason.
Lastly, as the verse states, the mission of Avraham and his children was to spread "Righteousness and Judgment," then, if Avraham's children were entrusted with teaching and leading by example, G‑d wanted them to know about exactly how they should act and what behavior to avoid.
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.