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Was Yishmael originally meant to be Sarah's child through Hagar as a surrogate? The shiur develops the thesis that Sarah's intention was for Hagar to bear a child in her merit, making Yishmael legitimately her son. When Hagar claimed the pregnancy as her own achievement, she destroyed the possibility of a unified vision where Yishmael and Yitzchok could have worked together as partners.
This shiur examines the complex dynamics between Sarah, Hagar, and the birth of Yishmael in Parshas Lech Lecha. Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing Rashi (רש"י)'s comment that Hagar was actually the daughter of Pharaoh, given as a servant because Pharaoh preferred his daughter serve in Avrohom's household rather than rule elsewhere. This raises the question of why the Torah (תורה) specifically identifies her as "shifchah Mitzris" - an Egyptian servant. The central thesis developed is that Sarah's original plan was for Hagar to function as a surrogate mother, bearing a child that would legitimately be considered Sarah's own. This interpretation is supported by several textual clues: Sarah had to "persuade" Hagar rather than simply command her, suggesting this required Hagar's willing participation in the surrogate arrangement. Additionally, the text states that Hagar was given "as a wife" yet remained Sarah's servant, indicating a complex legal status.
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Parshas Lech Lecha
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