The Haftarah portion for Shabbat Vayera (2 Kings 4:1-23) narrated in English by Ronald Guttman.
Questions for Discussion:
This story can be read as a re-working of the binding of Isaac, with the child’s mother (the Shunammite woman), rather than father, is the focus. Abraham is often criticized for not arguing with God’s command to sacrifice his son. Here, when the child dies, the Shunammite woman goes determinedly to the man of God, challenging him “Did I not tell you not to mislead or play games with me?” In response to her outrage, the man of God resurrects her son.
• When have you felt moved to lodge a protest against God?
• Beyond challenging God, what methods of expressing outrage are most effective in bringing just results?

JTS wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the Jewish Publication Society for allowing us to use their translation.