Vayera: The Purpose of Nisyonos
This is the source sheet for this week’s Pizza & Parsha on Parshas Vayera: five Hebrew sources, the key idea of each, and questions for group discussion. Listen to it read aloud (5 min), read it below, print it straight from this page (it prints in black and white with space for notes), or download the PDF.
Pizza & Parsha · Parshas Vayera
Learn this in person with Rabbi Fuchs: Wed 28 Oct, 7:30-8:30 pm (London). Fresh pizza, a lively discussion, for university students and post grads. Location shared when you RSVP.
The Purpose of Nisyonos
If Hashem already knows what we will choose, what is the purpose of a nisayon? The sources below show how tests can make our faith visible in action and allow us to grow. The challenge is to bring those ideas into the decisions we face every day.
Avraham and the Ten Tests
עֲשָׂרָה נִסְיוֹנוֹת נִתְנַסָּה אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם וְעָמַד בְּכֻלָּם
Avraham Avinu faced ten tests and remained steadfast through them all. The Mishnah presents his life as a sustained pattern of devotion.
The idea: Serving Hashem is tested through repeated choices over a lifetime, including ordinary moments of pressure and uncertainty.
Which small test comes up repeatedly in our own lives?
From Potential to Action
להוציא הדבר מן הכח אל הפועל להיות לו שכר מעשה טוב לא שכר לב טוב בלבד
The Ramban explains that a test is experienced by the person being tested. It creates an opportunity to turn inner goodness into a real deed.
The idea: We may believe that we possess patience, honesty, or emunah. A difficult choice lets us express that quality in practice.
When have you discovered a strength only because you needed to act on it?
A Test Can Raise Us Higher
נסיון אחר נסיון וגידולין אחר גידולין ... בשביל לגדלן בעולם
The Midrash connects nisayon with nes, a banner or mast held high. It describes repeated tests as opportunities for growth and elevation.
The idea: A person can emerge from a challenge with greater courage, self-control, or closeness to Hashem.
What would it mean to come out of a test spiritually stronger?
Love Expressed Through Deeds
כיון שיהיה בפעל אוהב וירא כמו שהיה בכח
The Sforno teaches that the Akeidah brought Avraham’s love and awe of Hashem from potential into reality. Through action, he became more like his Creator, whose goodness is active.
The idea: Keeping our word, controlling anger, and doing what is right when no one is watching are opportunities to express our relationship with Hashem.
Which mitzvah or middah is hardest to practise when it is inconvenient?
The Righteous Are Tested
ה׳ צַדִּיק יִבְחָן
“Hashem tests the righteous.” The Ramban cites this passuk when explaining how a nisayon can be for the good of the person being tested.
The idea: A challenge is not automatically a sign that someone has done wrong. We should be especially careful not to presume we understand another person’s suffering.
- Tests are part of a life of avodas Hashem — Pirkei Avos.
- Tests move our potential into action — Ramban and Sforno.
- Tests can elevate us — Bereishis Rabbah.
A Question to Leave With
When Hashem gives us a difficult moment, will we allow it to bring out the worst in us, or will we use it to bring out the greatness within us?
One nisayon I want to approach differently this week is:
Sources: Pirkei Avos 5:3; Ramban and Sforno on Bereishis 22:1; Bereishis Rabbah 55:1; Tehillim 11:5. A shiur for group learning by Rabbi Shlomo Fuchs. Layout: Live613 · live613.com
Want the bigger picture? Read The Akeidah: Why Life Tests Us, the companion reading for this week.
Pizza & Parsha · Parshas Vayera
Learn this in person with Rabbi Fuchs: Wed 28 Oct, 7:30-8:30 pm (London). Fresh pizza, a lively discussion, for university students and post grads. Location shared when you RSVP.
Questions people ask
If Hashem already knows what we will choose, why does He test us?
The Ramban explains that a test is for the person being tested: it brings a quality out from potential into action, so a person earns the reward of a good deed and not only of a good heart.
What does nisayon have to do with nes?
The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 55:1) connects nisayon, a test, with nes, a banner or mast held high. Repeated tests are opportunities to grow and be raised higher.
Is a hard time a sign that someone did something wrong?
No. “Hashem tests the righteous” (Tehillim 11:5). A challenge is not automatically a sign of wrongdoing, and we should be careful not to presume we understand another person’s suffering.
Can I print this source sheet?
Yes. Use the Print button on the page (it prints in black and white with space for notes), or download the print-friendly or full-colour PDF.
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Audio narration: AI-generated voice.