This week we read about the birth of Avraham Avinu's son Yishmael, who is the forefather of the Arab nations (and Islam). The Torah tells us that he will be a "pera adam" a wild and violent person. His name was given to him by G-d and Avraham was instructed to call him Yishmael meaning "G-d hears (prayers)". The Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer a midrash asks why is his name not Shemael, which would mean "G-d heard (prayers)" in reference to the prayers of Yishmael's mother Hagar, but instead uses the future tense Yishmael meaning "G-d will hear (your prayers)". The midrash answers that Yishmael in the future will cause great pain and suffering to the Jewish People and we the Jewish People will call out to Hashem and He will answer our prayers and save us from the hands of the Arab nations.

Last week, I incorrectly attributed the dvar Torah to R'Issac Chaver. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath