This Parashat meaning “and He Appeared” (Genesis 18:1–22:24) begins with Avraham’s encounter with three visitors outside his tent in Mamre. These visitors, who represent the L-rd, bring news that Sarah will have a son within a year. Sarah overhears this and laughs, as she and Avraham are already advanced in age, but G-d reassures Avraham of this promise (Genesis 18:1–14).

Avraham then pleads with G-d to spare the city of Sodom if even ten righteous people can be found there. Although the city is doomed due to its wickedness, G-d agrees not to destroy it for the sake of ten. Two angels are sent to rescue Lot and his family before the destruction (Genesis 18:22–33, 19:1–22). The men of Sodom, however, try to assault the angels, but they are struck with blindness as the angels protect Lot and his household. Lot escapes with his wife and daughters, but his wife looks back at Sodom, against the angels' instructions, and is turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:23–26). Lot’s daughters, fearing they will have no descendants, take matters into their own hands by causing their father to father their children (Genesis 19:30–38).

Later, Avraham moves to Gerar, where he claims Sarah is his sister out of fear. King Avimelech, who takes Sarah into his household, is warned by G-d in a dream about the truth. Avimelech and Avraham reconcile, and Avraham prays for Avimelech’s household (Genesis 20:1–18). The promised son, Isaac, is born, and Sarah declares, “G-d has brought me laughter; everyone who hears will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6). Sarah then requests that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, and though Avraham is troubled, G-d reassures him that Ishmael, too, will become a great nation (Genesis 21:8–21). Avimelech later seeks a covenant with Avraham to ensure peaceful relations between their descendants. They establish an oath at Beersheva, affirming their agreement over a well Avraham had dug (Genesis 21:22–34).

The parasha concludes with G-d’s ultimate test of Avraham’s faith. G-d instructs Avraham to sacrifice his son, Yitzchak, as a burnt offering. Avraham, demonstrating his unwavering devotion, prepares to offer Isaac, but an angel stops him at the last moment, and a ram is provided as a substitute sacrifice. Avraham names the place Adonai-Yireh, “The L-rd will provide.” Because of Avraham’s faithfulness, G-d renews His covenant, promising to bless his descendants and declaring that all nations will be blessed through them (Genesis 22:1–18).