Dvar Torah for Parshat Vayera

Based on Rabbi Nachman's "Rules for Joke Telling"

Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian *m'tzachek* (Genesis 21:9).
The word *m'tzachek* has three connotations: idolatry, immorality, murder (Rashi).

Rebbe Nachman emphasized the importance of being cheerful. Having a good laugh is certainly one way to establish and maintain a good mood.
As our matriarch Sarah pointed out (v.10), we have to make sure that our "Yitzchak" (rooted in the Hebrew word *tzchok*, laughter) is not corrupted by negative influences. Following Rebbe Nachman's guidelines can provide protection.

Rule #1: No dirty jokes. This frees our laughter from immorality. Our minds and hearts are both cleaner.

Rule #2: No jokes at someone else's expense. This keeps our hands clean of bloodshed: making fun of someone, embarrassing him, is akin to murder.

Rule #3: No jokes to gain yourself the spotlight. This hallows our uplifted spirits: we devote even our humor to making it easier and pleasanter to focus on God.

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!