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This week's Land of Israel Fellowship dives deep into the Torah portion of Vayera, revealing timeless truths that speak directly to the challenges facing Israel and the world today. Jeremy Gimpel explores how the story of Avraham holds a prophetic mirror to our own times, a world struggling with moral confusion, faith, and truth. Ari Abramowitz shares what it truly means to stand with Israel not just in words or politics, but through moral courage, clarity, and unwavering faith in God's promises. As darkness and division spread across the nations, this powerful live session reminds us that the call of Abraham is still alive, to walk in faith, to defend truth, and to bring light from the Land of Israel to the world. Tune in for spiritual insight, inspiration, and real-time connection between biblical prophecy and current events in Israel.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha "Vayera," Genesis chapters 18 through 22) and the central part of the story of the first Patriarch, Abraham, from his storied 'dickering' with YHVH Himself concerning the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, to the 'binding of Isaac,' known as 'the Akieda,' that prefigures another parallel act on that very same spot, many centuries later. It is perhaps THE "Biblical-level" Act of Faith. First, the Erev Shabbat reading: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SSM-11-7-25-Vayera-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 The Sabbath Day Midrash is about not only that "Act of Faith," but what it says to BOTH of those two houses, still in exile, who each believe the story prophecies the Messiah Himself, but can't seem to recognize His character in the process! "Vayera: 'Your son, your only son...Who?" https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WT-CooH-11-8-25-Vayera-Your-son-your-only-Son-podcast-xxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Download the notes herehttps://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/11.08.-25-Congregational-Notes-3.pdf*********************************Website: esm.usPastor Mark BiltzMission Statement: (https://esm.us/about/)El Shaddai Ministries exists to take Torah to the nations by restoring the Biblical and historical perspectives that have been lost over the last 2000 years, uncovering replacement theology, and healing our Christian-Jewish relationships.Statement of Beliefs:https://tinyurl.com/4ks6eznu
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, head Rabbi at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale, and the host of the Rabbi Allouche podcast, joins Seth for the full hour to talk about this week's Torah portion; Vayera, the lessons of Abraham’s hospitality, giving and receiving, biblical models of humanity to follow or avoid, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Judgment Upon Sodom - Torah Portion - Vayera: (Genesis 18–22) - 2024-2025 rebroadcast by Shawn Ozbun
For a 10% discount on Rabbi David Ashear's new book LIVING EMUNAH ON THE PARASHAH 2 click the link below https://www.artscroll.com/ Books/9781422645581.html Although Sara Imenu was nearly ninety years old and physically incapable of having children, Hashem still expected her to believe with full conviction that she could. The words Hashem used to describe His boundless abilities were, הֲיִפָּלֵא מֵיְ־הוָה דָּבָר — is there anything beyond Hashem? These are words that we must live by. It is true that the Gemara teaches that a person should not pray for something that requires Hashem to overturn nature. But our rabbis tell us that there are many exceptions to this principle. Rav Sadok Hakohen explained that having children is considered part of the natural order, and therefore no matter what any doctor says, a person is always encouraged to pray for children. Furthermore, if a person is facing a fatal illness, lo aleinu, the Orchot Rabbeinu writes that we must continue praying for refuah shelemah, and this is not what Chazal meant when they said not to pray for miracles. Even if doctors insist the illness is incurable, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt"l said that there may be a medication in the world that we simply have not discovered yet. That is not a miracle; that is part of the natural world which Hashem controls completely. It is not our job to tell Hashem how to save us. It is our job to pray. Hashem can do anything—and it can all happen within the natural order. A woman — we will call her Sarah — told me the following story. She went to the doctor for a routine check. After the initial tests, she returned to the waiting room. A short time later, they called her name and told her the doctor wanted more imaging. She knew these weren't scheduled, and her heart dropped. She went in for the additional scans. As the technicians studied the images, she overheard them speaking in alarming tones: "Oh no… what are we going to tell the doctor?" "Let's try again…" Each time they repeated the scan, the tone got worse. Sarah panicked. Should she call her husband? Should she spare him the worry until she knew more? A flood of thoughts raced through her mind. She truly felt that her time in this world might be very short. But then she realized: at this moment, she didn't know anything for sure. This was the best time to pray. She wondered what words to use. Should she ask Hashem to remove whatever mass they were seeing — would that be asking for an open miracle? Should she ask that it be harmless — when the technicians' reactions indicated otherwise? Should she pray that surgery would be quick and successful? Each option seemed like she was dictating to Hashem how the salvation should come. So she said: it is not my job to tell Hashem how to help me. My job is simply to pray. With that clarity, she poured out her heart: "Hashem, please grant me many more healthy years of life so I can continue doing Your avodah." When the scans were finished, she returned to the waiting area and continued praying intensely. Finally her name was called. She braced herself. But the doctor smiled and said, "Everything looks great. You're good to go." She was stunned. She had heard the technicians' panic. She knew they had seen something. So she asked, "What about the retesting?" The doctor replied, "Oh, that wasn't for you. There's another Sarah. She has a known mass and we wanted updated imaging." The technicians were confused because they couldn't find the mass anymore and thought they were making mistakes. Her heart skipped a beat. While she was praying for life, convinced they had seen something terrible on her brain, she had no idea they were scanning the wrong Sarah. Never in her wildest imagination could she have predicted this scenario. But Hashem doesn't need us to figure out how salvation will come. He only asks us to trust and to pray. הֲיִפָּלֵא מֵיְ־הוָה דָּבָר — is anything ever beyond Hashem? Shabbat Shalom.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Bereshit/Genesis 19:17 - November 7, 2025.
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!
The week exploded with joy: a healthy baby boy, hospital runs, school interviews for our four-year-old, and more miles on the Parkway than we can count. In the rush, a harder truth surfaced—our Gemara seat sat empty—and that stung. So we turned to Vayera for clarity and found a verse that hit like a bell: God doesn't single out Avraham for breaking idols, debating kings, or even building a tent of radical hospitality. The love lands here—he teaches his children and his household to keep the way of God.That insight flips the scoreboard most of us carry in our heads. Public greatness is good; parenting is greater. We unpack how Avraham's legacy makes the home the primary beit midrash and why brief, consistent moments with our kids—ten minutes of Torah, a Shabbat table that lives, a nightly story or song—can shape identity more deeply than any speech. We talk about brit milah as a parent's obligation, the danger of outsourcing chinuch, and the quiet power of modeling growth where children can see it and feel it. When kids trust that love guides our choices, they'll walk beside us even on steep paths.You'll hear practical ways to turn family life into lasting learning: questions at dinner that spark wonder, small rituals that stack into memory, check-ins that teach integrity as clearly as halacha. Work matters. Learning matters. But raising a child in God's ways is where love and duty meet, and that conviction can redeem a week that might look “unproductive” on paper. If God loved Avraham for being a father first, we can reorder our homes—and our calendars—to follow suit. If this conversation speaks to you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with one family ritual you'll start tonight.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com
VaYera: Keep Going! by Rabbi Avi Harari
Chelek 25, Vayera 1
Gematriaj and Parasha Vayera by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian
How to be the perfect host. In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed "Bohemian Rhapsody". His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band "Foreigner" (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way from Home". Other production work included "The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars", "The Curves", and "Nutz" as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Parasha Vayera and Avraham by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian
We all need tests to know our purpose
Pour un effort de plus (Vayera) by Rav David Touitou
Even Gd had to get down to see
Vayera Just walk and talk beside me
Donnez mais pas sur le compte des autres (Vayera) by Rav David Touitou
Il me regarde mais ne me voit pas (Vayera) by Rav David Touitou
This week's Torah portion is called Vayera, which means “And he appeared.” It is named for God's appearance to Abraham and it covers Genesis 18:1–22:24.The narrative opens with the arrival of three visitors at the entrance to Abraham's tent. The text states, “The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground” (Gen. 18:1-3).The identity of these three men is bathed in mystery. Jewish tradition interprets the three “men” as three distinct angels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—each sent on a specific mission. Christian tradition interprets the third figure—the one identified as “Lord”—as a Christophany, a visible manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ. The visitor apparently had a human form, as he ate and drank the meal Abraham had prepared. Yet, he also spoke with divine authority and knew Sarah's hidden thoughts. Both Jewish and Christian traditions praise Abraham's elaborate hospitality to these strangers. The author of Hebrews uses Abraham's interaction in Genesis 18 as the highest standard for showing hospitality, stating, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2). It is during this visitation that the divine messenger delivers a crucial promise: even though the couple was advanced in years, Sarah would finally conceive a son. The announcement is naturally met with disbelief and a laugh from Sarah. The Lord acknowledges her reaction by posing the rhetorical question, “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Gen. 18:14).Support the show
Avimelech says he's righteous, Avraham says he's not. God seems to agree with both of them (this is Judaism, after all). So which is it and what should we learn from this moral conundrum?Pictured: Jan de Herdt, 'Abraham and Abimelech'.
Harav Avraham Tabrikian explains why Avrohom Avinu didn't tell Sarah about having a son, and discusses mitzvas anoshim melumado in both bein adam laMakom and bein adam lechaveiro.
Abraham has entered into covenant with God, and for the first time, God has a partner in the world. He recognises that he must include Abraham as his partner in His decisions and actions in the world. The first of these instances is the decree on the destruction fo Sodom. In this episode we explore the nature of God's attention both to Abraham and to Sodom and discover in it important implications to our own lives.
The JTS Commentary for Vayera by Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, Pearl Resnick Dean of The Rabbinical School and Dean of the Division of Religious LeadershipMusic provided by JJReinhold / Pond
In this shmooze, delivered at Mevaseret Mishmar, Rav Burg explains how judgementalism comes from our belief system about ourselves.
In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains the story of Avraham, Sarah and the Malachim as a lesson in how we can make changes that seem impossible.
Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 48 - 5786 Vayera 11-06-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim
In this week's Parshas Vayera episode, Reb Asaf Aharon Prisman shares a revolutionary insight from Rav Yitzchak Svei that transforms how we understand both Sarah's test and the spiritual mechanics of Ayin Hara (the evil eye). The key detail everyone misses: Ishmael was hiding in the background, listening to the angel's promise.Discover why Sarah's "laugh" was actually strategic deception, how Ayin Hara really works (it triggers divine judgment by making Hashem ask "Does this person deserve what they have?"), and the one phrase that creates an impenetrable shield: acknowledging that everything we have is undeserved chesed from Hashem.This isn't about superstition—it's about understanding the spiritual cause-and-effect that governs blessing and protection. Learn how humility becomes armor, why feeling deserving is spiritually dangerous, and how the Arizal's teachings on Ayin Hara reveal a life-changing approach to gratitude.Prism of Torah brings deep yeshiva-style Torah learning with practical application for modern Jewish life. Each week, Rabbi Asaf explores the weekly parsha through unconventional questions that reveal transformative insights.
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Vayeira, the fourth portion in Genesis, focusing on Abraham's experiences and virtues. He highlights Abraham's revolutionary monotheism and his open-tent hospitality, exemplified by welcoming guests even while recovering from circumcision at age 99. God mercifully makes the day extremely hot to deter travelers, allowing Abraham rest, yet he eagerly runs to greet three angels disguised as men. These angels deliver missions: healing Abraham, announcing Sarah's impending pregnancy, and preparing to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes humility as essential for true kindness, drawing from the Ramban's letter advising to view others as greater, fostering respect and empathy.The discussion delves into the necessity of truth (Emes) for humility and self-improvement, quoting the Chida on avoiding arrogance by honestly assessing one's flaws and gifts from God. Rabbi Wolbe explains that truth demands no compromise, unlike modern courts or even halacha (except for mezuzah placement symbolizing household peace). He stresses accepting personal shortcomings—such as overindulgence or arrogance—as the first step to repair, noting that denial prevents growth. Abraham's plea for Sodom, despite its wickedness, reflects his humble recognition of potential in others and reliance on divine gifts like persuasion.Ultimately, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that success lies in effort, not results, as per the Mishnah in Ethics of Our Fathers: one must strive without expecting to complete the task. He shares personal anecdotes, like his father's focus on best effort over grades, and urges listeners to build individual closeness to God, like the patriarchs, through daily mitzvot and truth. The episode ends with a call to sponsor content via TORCH in Houston._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Abraham, #Kindness, #Humility, #Hospitality, #Truth, #Compromise, #Effort, #Striving, #Perfection, #Dedication, #Vayera, #Mezuzah ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Vayeira, the fourth portion in Genesis, focusing on Abraham's experiences and virtues. He highlights Abraham's revolutionary monotheism and his open-tent hospitality, exemplified by welcoming guests even while recovering from circumcision at age 99. God mercifully makes the day extremely hot to deter travelers, allowing Abraham rest, yet he eagerly runs to greet three angels disguised as men. These angels deliver missions: healing Abraham, announcing Sarah's impending pregnancy, and preparing to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes humility as essential for true kindness, drawing from the Ramban's letter advising to view others as greater, fostering respect and empathy.The discussion delves into the necessity of truth (Emes) for humility and self-improvement, quoting the Chida on avoiding arrogance by honestly assessing one's flaws and gifts from God. Rabbi Wolbe explains that truth demands no compromise, unlike modern courts or even halacha (except for mezuzah placement symbolizing household peace). He stresses accepting personal shortcomings—such as overindulgence or arrogance—as the first step to repair, noting that denial prevents growth. Abraham's plea for Sodom, despite its wickedness, reflects his humble recognition of potential in others and reliance on divine gifts like persuasion.Ultimately, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that success lies in effort, not results, as per the Mishnah in Ethics of Our Fathers: one must strive without expecting to complete the task. He shares personal anecdotes, like his father's focus on best effort over grades, and urges listeners to build individual closeness to God, like the patriarchs, through daily mitzvot and truth. The episode ends with a call to sponsor content via TORCH in Houston._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Abraham, #Kindness, #Humility, #Hospitality, #Truth, #Compromise, #Effort, #Striving, #Perfection, #Dedication, #Vayera, #Mezuzah ★ Support this podcast ★
Vayera 5786 - Making an Appearance - In memory of Ophir Agassi (Ophir ben Ettel Braina Eliana) on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah Parsha
Chassidus 5786 - Vayera: Fulfilling Our Potential - R' Dov Elias by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Vayera 5786 - moonLight of Emuna - R' Dov Elias by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks' commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Vayera was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Read and download the written essay, and all translations: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayera/even-higher-than-angels/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/vayera/even-higher-than-angels/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.
Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!
The Torah tells us we can't see God—yet this week's portion, Vayera, begins with the words, “God appeared to Abraham.” What does it mean to “see” a God who has no image? In this episode, Rabbi Micah explores how Vayera—filled with stories of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Isaac—turns the act of seeing into a spiritual theme. The challenge is not that God can't be seen, but that we so often forget to look. Notes and Links: Seven Minute Torah is a production of Laasok: The Liberal Beit Midrash. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions? Email info@laasok.org, or contact Rabbi Micah Streiffer directly at micah@laasok.org.
Parashat VaYera - Individuality by Rabbi Avi Harari
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer explore Parshat Vayera through the story of the Akeidah, reframing it not as Avraham's test, but as Yitzchak's act of awareness and choice. They discuss agency, sacrifice, and what it means to go beyond one's limits in service of something greater. Drawing on Midrash and lived experience, they reflect on courage, commitment, and how moments of surrender can unlock the deepest expressions of faith and purpose.