2019/5780

The beginning of the Parashah provides great detail and attention to the incredible hospitality displayed by Avraham towards the angels. Why does the Torah give such great emphasis to this episode? After all, not one word in the Torah is superfluous! Furthermore, Avraham was constantly involved with greeting and hosting guests. As the Torah states, “VaYita Eshel BiVeir Shava VaYikra Sham BeSheim Hashem Keil Olam,” “He planted an Eshel in Be’eir Sheva, and there he proclaimed the Name of Hashem, the everlasting God” (BeReishit 21:33). Rashi (ibid. Eshel) comments on this Pasuk: “Rav UShmuel Chad Amar Pardeis LeHavi Mimenu Peirot Le’Orchim BaSe’udah VeChad Amar Pundak Le’Achsanya UVo Kol Minei Peirot,” “[The definition of an Eshel is subject to a disagreement between] Rav and Shmuel. One says it was an orchard which provided fruit for [Avraham’s] guests at his meal, and one says it was an inn for lodging with all different kinds of fruits.” Rashi explains that Avraham had accommodations for travelers equipped with many different types of food. If this is so, why does the Torah emphasize the incident with the angels?

In order to answer this question we must understand that Avraham was the pillar of Chesed (good deed).  A Pasuk in Seifer Micha states, “Titein Emet LeYa’akov Chesed Le’Avraham Asher Nishbata La’Avoteinu MiYmei Kedem,” “You will keep faith to Ya’akov and kindness to Avraham, as you promised to our forefathers in the days of yore” (7:20). Rav Eliyakim Koeningsberg explains that there are two categories of Chesed. One is where we do a good deed for someone because we feel bad for them or feel pained at their situation. In reality, this is Rachmanut (mercy). We have mercy and we are responding to someone’s difficult situation. The other category is true Chesed, in which we have a burning desire to give to another person. It’s not because we feel bad or guilty. It’s a much higher level. We constantly have the need to give and give. We are not able to truly function without giving to other people. This is exactly the charge of the prophet Michah:

“Mah Tov UMah Hashem Doreish Mimcha Ki Im Asot Mishpat Ve’Ahavat Chesed,” “What is good? What does God demand from you? That you shall perform justice and love to do kindness” (Seifer Michah 6:8).

The Pasuk does not say to perform Chesed; rather, it clearly states to love Chesed! We should not have any ulterior motives, but rather we should just simply love to give. 

This idea is also found in the Talmud: “SheKein Darko Shel Gomeil Chasadim LaRutz Achar Dalim,” “This is the way of those who do kindness: they run after the underprivileged” (Shabbat 104a). The way of the Gomlei Chasadim is to run after the underprivileged. The Talmud is teaching us the need to run after opportunities for Chesed.  

There is a fascinating story about Howard Schultz, the founder and CEO of Starbucks. He told the following story at the graduation of Columbia’s business school. He, along with other wealthy businessmen, met with Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel. Rav Finkel asked the men what the lesson of the Holocaust is. Everyone was very nervous to respond. One responded that we will never forget it. Rav Finkel completely dismissed the answer. Another responded that we will never ever again be a victim or a bystander. Rav Finkel dismissed this answer as well. Rav Finkel finally responded saying that once all the Jews got off the trains they were all separated and went to the bunkers to sleep. One out of every six people was given a blanket. The one person had to decide if he was going to share the blanket with the five other people who did not get one, or if he is going to keep it for his self to stay warm. Rav Finkel teaches us the power of the human spirit, because the Jews in the bunker shared the blanket with the five other people! Rav Finkel told these businessmen to take their ‘blankets’ and share them with five other people in America.

This is true Ahavat Chesed. A person does not only think of himself or herself, even when they lose a lot by performing the Chesed.

 The Kehilat Yitzchak (Parashat VaYeira s.v. VaYeira) explained why the story with the angels was specifically chosen. This story is a lesson for all time how to perform Chesed. Avraham had every great reason to excuse himself from the Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim: he was ninety-nine years old and was currently on the third day after his Brit Milah. He should have not been looking for guests, and all the more so he was exempt from being a gracious host! Avraham, however, ran towards them with great alacrity. Although in great pain, there was nothing stopping him. This is true Chesed!

Eliezer, the trusted servant of Avraham, was charged with the awesome responsibility of finding the appropriate mate for Yitzchak. She was going to be the future mother of the Jewish people. He needed to find a wife with a great love for Chesed. The Pesukim in Chayei Sarah give us great insight into Rivkah’s character by discussing how she hurried to give Eliezer water, and even gave water to his camels.

Rav Pesach Krohn explains that Eliezer did not offer any help! Again, picture the scene: This little girl is filling up pitcher after pitcher. Eliezer does not even lift a finger! Something seems very wrong here. He does not really show any appreciation until the end of the episode. Rivkah could have (and should have) requested help. But Rivkah did Chesed for the right reasons. She did Chesed because it was ingrained in her personality and she needed to give. Therefore, Eliezer was extremely confident that Rivkah was the perfect fit to be the future mother of the Jewish people.  

We should all find the strength and fortitude to constantly seek out and perform acts of Chesed with great love, energy, and excitement.