1. Avraham’s Miraculous Victory Over the Kings
In today’s portion of the Chumash, we read about Avraham’s miraculous victory over a coalition of powerful armies. These armies had previously defeated giants and strong nations, yet Avraham was able to overcome them. According to some Midrashim, it was just Avraham and Eliezer who fought; according to the posuk—verse, it was Avraham with 300-plus men. Either way, their victory was clearly miraculous.2. Malki Tzedek and the Gift of a Tenth
At the end of this story, the Torah tells us that Avraham gave Malki Tzedek, Melech Sholem, ma’aser—a tenth of everything from the spoils of war. This act of giving a tenth is significant and becomes a focal point for understanding the mitzvah of ma’aser—tithing.3. The Torah as Our Moral Guide
With current events like elections on people’s minds, it’s important to remember that for us as Yidden, our guide is always the Torah. No matter where one stands politically or what politicians do, our standards and beliefs come from Torah. This is our yardstick for what is right and how we should live.4. The Lesson from Avraham’s Ma’aser
We see right in this parsha that Avraham gives ma’aser—a tenth—of everything he has. This teaches us about sharing and being there for others. However, it’s interesting to note that when the Rambam discusses the mitzvah of giving ma’aser, he quotes a later verse from Parshas Toldos about Yitzchak giving ma’aser, not this episode with Avraham.5. The Rambam’s Reason: A Test of Faith
The Rebbe explains why the Rambam does not root the mitzvah in Avraham’s story. When a person gives a tenth to HaKadosh Baruch Hu—the Holy One Blessed Be He—it is really a test from Hashem. Hashem gives us what we need plus an extra tenth so that when we give away 10% as required by halacha, we are recognizing that our possessions are truly from Hashem. Ninety percent is for us; ten percent is meant to be shared with others.6. Why Avraham’s Ma’aser Is Different
In Avraham’s case, since his victory and all the spoils were so clearly miraculous and beyond nature, it was obvious that everything belonged to Hashem from the start. Therefore, giving a tenth here does not demonstrate the same level of sacrifice or faith as when someone gives from their own hard-earned possessions. By contrast, Yitzchak worked his field and earned his produce through natural means; giving ma’aser in that context truly reflects trust in Hashem.7. Practical Lessons in Giving and Kindness
This teaches us that sharing and giving are essential parts of Jewish life—not just with money but also with kindness and encouragement. Saying a kind word or offering a smile can make someone else’s day better; talk may be “cheap,” but used properly it can be very valuable. Ultimately, everything we have is a gift from Hashem, and recognizing this should inspire us to share generously with others and express gratitude to Hashem for all His blessings.