Vayera: When the Divine Comes to the Door

Introduction

Parshat Vayera begins with God’s visit to Abraham, but the purpose of God’s visit is shrouded in mystery. In this week’s podcast, Judy Klitsner attempts to shed light on the encounter and considers its connections to the tough negotiations between Abraham and God over the fate of the evildoers in Sodom. Along the way, Judy takes a closer look at God’s choice of Abraham as progenitor of the Jewish nation.

This podcast has been generously sponsored by Michael and Daniela Rader in honor of their mom, Barbara Rader’s 75th birthday. If you are interested in sponsoring a podcast, email jamie@pardes.org.

Credits
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Judy Klitsner

Judy Klitsner is the Rabbi Joshua S. Bakst Chair in Tanakh and a senior educator in Bible at Pardes. A student of the renowned Bible teacher Nehama Leibowitz, Judy is known for her close textual readings that weave together traditional commentary, modern scholarship and original interpretation. Her book Subversive Sequels in the Bible: How Biblical Stories Mine and Undermine Each Other received a National Jewish Book Award.

Judy has taught generations of students at Pardes, many of whom now use her methods in Jewish educational settings around the world. An internationally sought-after lecturer, she has taught Bible to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious leaders. Judy is also the founding board chair of Sacred Spaces, an organization dedicated to preventing and addressing abuse in Jewish institutions.