בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT VAYERA 5785
Abraham is regarded in Jewish tradition as the symbol of Chesed (loving-kindness), a virtue he exemplified through his actions and attitude towards others. Even in his moments of weakness, when he was recovering from his circumcision, he received a divine revelation.1 In fact, he interrupted his encounter with the Shechinah to attend to the needs of his guests, teaching us that those who are weak and ill can often experience God’s presence most profoundly.2 Although Abraham believed his guests were passing Arabs who may have worshiped the dust on their feet—a form of idolatry he did not want in his home (Rashi)—he welcomed them with open arms. However, he still ensured that the dust, their source of idolatry, was removed from their feet, maintaining the purity of his home, where the One True God was served. Abraham treated his guests with the utmost respect but stayed true to his values, ensuring that no form of idolatry entered his home.
Jewish tradition teaches us that arrogance and anger are also considered forms of idolatry.3 From this, we learn that we should open our homes and hearts to everyone, regardless of their shortcomings or character flaws. It is essential not only to welcome those who may engage in idolatry but also those who struggle with arrogance or anger. In this way, like Abraham, we can follow the example of Chesed by treating everyone with respect and care while remaining true to our values.
In stark contrast to the idolaters who worshiped dust, Abraham saw himself as dust, symbolizing humility and the recognition of his place in the world. To pray correctly and comprehend the mysteries of the Torah, one must cultivate this humility, as taught by Rabbi Nachman.4 Abraham demonstrated this humility not only through his hospitality but also by advocating for others, even the people of Sodom, a city notorious for its cruelty. He prayed earnestly for their salvation, even though he knew their fate was likely sealed.5 While he could not save Sodom, he did manage to save Lot and his daughters, a significant act that ensured the future of the Jewish people, as the Messiah would come from their lineage (Rebbe Nachman’s Torah, The Berkowitz Edition, pp. 175-180).
Sodom: The Antithesis of Chesed
In contrast to Abraham’s Chesed, Sodom is depicted in Jewish tradition as the embodiment of unkindness. While Abraham valued hospitality and generosity, Sodom was infamous for its hostility towards strangers, going so far as to ban acts of hospitality and terrorize potential guests (Netivos Shalom). This stands in stark contrast to Abraham, who seized the opportunity to serve even the most lowly individuals, such as the passing Arabs, treating them with great respect. He ensured his guests received the finest food, going so far as to slaughter three bulls so that each guest could have the best part—the tongue. Even while experiencing a divine revelation, Abraham left the Shechinah to welcome and serve his guests.
Sodom, on the other hand, displayed sheer cruelty. The Talmud recounts the story of a young woman who secretly gave bread to the poor. When the people of Sodom discovered her kindness, they brutally punished her by covering her in honey and allowing hornets to sting her to death. This incident is cited as the final sin that sealed Sodom’s fate.6
Practical Lessons for Noahides
While there is no explicit commandment for Noahides to practice hospitality, it is a moral obligation that naturally stems from universal values of kindness and compassion. Like Abraham, Noahides can learn the importance of treating guests with respect and care. This means offering not only food but also genuine attention, a listening ear, and a warm farewell when they leave. True hospitality involves welcoming everyone with an open heart, regardless of their personal flaws or character traits.
Abraham’s example of Chesed reminds us that hospitality is an essential component of a virtuous life. By learning from Abraham’s example and contrasting it with the cruelty of Sodom, Noahides can understand the significance of kindness and hospitality and recognize how a single act of compassion can make a profound difference, such as saving Lot and his family.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
Sources
- Genesis 18:1-8 ↩︎
- Nedarim 40a ↩︎
- Sotah 4b, Nedarim 22a ↩︎
- Likutey Moharan I 10:6 ↩︎
- Genesis 18:23-33 ↩︎
- Sanhedrin 109b ↩︎
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