פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּרָא
The Secret of Nikud: Adonai
📖 Introduction to the Parasha
Why is this continuity so important? Because Parashat Vayera opens with an extraordinary event that flows DIRECTLY from the end of Lech Lecha: Abraham Avinu's brit milah.
🏥 The Context: Divine Visit
After the Brit Milah
At the end of the previous parasha, Abraham Avinu is 99 years old. HaShem commands him to perform the brit milah. And Abraham obeys immediately, despite his advanced age.
📅 Divine Timing
Parashat Vayera begins exactly three days after Abraham's brit milah. The third day is the most painful day after circumcision!
"And HaShem appeared to him at Elonei Mamre"
Rashi's Explanation
וּבָא הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא וְשָׁאַל בִּשְׁלוֹמוֹ
"It was the third day of his circumcision, and HaKadosh Baruch Hu came to inquire about his welfare"
Monsieur HIMI emphasizes: "You understand? HM - HaShem Himself - comes to visit the sick! This is where we learn the mitzvah of bikur cholim (visiting the sick)."
❓ The Problem: Vayomer Adonai
The Dilemma
When I read the word אֲדֹנָי, I must know if it is:
- A Holy Name - pronounced A-do-nai with reverence
- A profane word - meaning "my master"
Rashi's Two Explanations
First Explanation
"He addressed the greatest among them" - to the chief angel. This is lashon chol (profane language).
Second Explanation (Davar Acher)
Abraham is NOT speaking to the angels - he is speaking to HaKadosh Baruch Hu Himself! He says to HaShem: "Wait a moment, I must welcome these guests!"
"Greater is hospitality than receiving the Divine Presence"
🎯 The Secret of the Nikud
The TA'NTA System (טַעַנְתָּ"א)
Each letter of the Torah has four components:
אותיות - Otiot
The letters
תגין - Tagin
The crowns
נקודות - Nikud
The vowels
טעמים - Te'amim
The cantillations
🌟 The Ten Sefirot and The Ten Nikudot
There are TEN types of nikud corresponding to the Eser Sefirot. The highest Sefirah is KETER, and its nikud is KAMATZ.
| Sefirah | Nikud | Symbol | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| כֶּתֶר - Keter (Crown) |
קָמָץ - Kamatz |  |
Highest |
| חָכְמָה - Chochmah (Wisdom) |
פַּתַח - Patach |  |
Wisdom |
| בִּינָה - Binah (Understanding) |
צֵירֵי - Tzerei |  |
Understanding |
| חֶסֶד - Chesed (Kindness) |
סֶגוֹל - Segol |  |
Abraham's attribute |
| גְּבוּרָה - Gevurah (Strength) |
שְׁוָא - Shva |  |
Isaac's attribute |
| תִּפְאֶרֶת - Tiferet (Harmony) |
חוֹלָם - Cholam |  |
Jacob's attribute |
| נֶצַח - Netzach (Victory) |
חִירִיק - Chirik |  |
Persistence |
| הוֹד - Hod (Splendor) |
קִבּוּץ - Kibbutz |  |
Recognition |
| יְסוֹד - Yesod (Foundation) |
שׁוּרוּק - Shuruk | |
Joseph's attribute |
| מַלְכוּת - Malchut (Kingship) |
No vowel | ∅ | This world |
💡 Practical Application
With Abraham
The Nun (נ) has a KAMATZ (קָמָץ)!
This refers to Sefirat Keter - it's a HOLY NAME!
Abraham is speaking to HaKadosh Baruch Hu!
With Lot
Here the Nun has a PATACH (פַּתַח)!
Patach = Sefirah of CHOCHMAH (lower than Keter)
This is lashon chol - Lot speaks to angels!
In Our Prayer
Kamatz under the Nun! Sefirat Keter! We speak directly with the Kadosh Baruch Hu!
⚡ The 6 Actions to Apply
1. Read Consciously
Each nikud is a window to spiritual worlds. When you see a Kamatz, elevate your concentration to Keter level.
2. Pray with Kavanah
In "Adonai sefatai tiftach", focus on the Kamatz! You're speaking to the Creator at the highest level.
3. Welcome Like Abraham
Hachnasat Orchim! Open your home and heart to guests with devotion.
4. Visit the Sick
Bikur Cholim! HaShem visited Abraham when sick. Visit those who suffer.
5. Study in Depth
Torah details are never trivial. Each point contains worlds of wisdom.
6. Spiritual Priorities
Develop sensitivity to recognize which mitzvah is most urgent at each moment.
📚 Conclusion
Every letter, crown, vowel, and cantillation
carries meaning and profound secrets.
Live the values of Abraham Avinu!"
📝 Transcription of an Oral Lesson
Teaching of Monsieur Yehuda HIMI
May his teaching continue to enlighten our souls.