The section of the torah read by Jews all over the world this week is Parashat Vayeira (Genesis 18:1–22:24). It brings us one of our most important Jewish stories of kindness to strangers. The concept of hospitality, also called hachnasat orchim (literally the “bringing in of strangers”), being extended to others is a central value of Judaism. An act of g’milut chasadim (loving kindness), hachnasat orchim is considered a mitzvah, or commandment.
In Parashat Vayeira, we learn about our patriarch Abraham, whose kindness to guests was exemplary. Abraham kept the sides of his tent open so that he could watch for the arrival of guests. On this particular occasion, Abraham was in his tent recovering from his circumcision. However, when he saw the strangers coming, he swiftly ran to offer the very best that he and Sarah could offer. The welcome he and Sarah provided included providing the guests water for washing their feet and bidding them to rest in the shade. The guests were also served a leisurely feast that consisted of cakes of fine meal and tender calf. Abraham was such a gracious host that when they left, he began "…walking with them to send them off.” Genesis 18:16
Abraham and Sarah went to extraordinary lengths to make their guests feel welcome. Both he and his wife Sarah worked very hard to ensure that their guests, though strangers, were comfortable, safe, attended to and sated. They made this their priority and spared nothing in this endeavor. Modeling more than the standard level of courtesy, Abraham taught ensuing generations the true meaning of hospitality. He didn’t just fulfill this commandment, he did it enthusiastically and whole heartedly, fully embracing the joyful mitzvah of hachnasat orchim.
From Got Shabbat, a newsletter of the Union for Reform Judaism
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