Parshat Vayeira; Genesis 18:1 - 22:24 By: Rabbi Denise L. Eger
As the wildfires rage here in Southern California there are many people who are now displaced from their homes. By some estimates there are over 300,000 people who have had to evacuate their homes and neighborhoods because of fire and smoke damage and the threat of fire creeping toward them. Firefighters are working tirelessly to combat the ferocious flames that have been whipped up by the Santa Ana winds in Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have died or been injured, have lost their homes and businesses, those who combat the fires and the many volunteers who are working to meet the needs of the newest refugees here in Southern California. At many shelters across Southern California, there are volunteers who help make the evacuees comfortable and calm in this time of chaos.
These volunteers embody the spirit of the opening verses of our weekly Torah portion, Vayeira. This week’s portion begins with a story of kindness and hospitality. Abraham welcomes three weary travelers into his home. In truth there is some confusion as to whether these three people who came to his tent at the Oaks of Mamre were angels, humans or a manifestation of God’s self. The Torah says, “And God appear to him (Abraham) at the oaks of Mamre….. And he raised his eyes and saw, and here were three people standing over him.” (Gen. 18:1-2). Some commentators say that God appeared first and then it was three angels. Others say that since you cannot see God and live, God allowed Abraham to see three divine aspects of the Eternal embodied in three people.
What is notable is that these three travelers are welcomed by Abraham even though he doesn’t really know who they are. Abraham runs to greet them and extends to them enormous kindnesses by washing their feet and providing respite and food. “Let a little water be gotten, and wash your feet and relax under a tree and let me get a bit of bread and satisfy your heart.” (Gen 18:4). Abraham offers them comfort and compassion in the heat of the day.
Abraham’s kindness and thoughtfulness is truly a model for us. Whether in times of crisis like the wildfires that rage this week or in times of calm, when one human being to another reaches out the hand of kindness, welcome and friendship and hospitality, we transform ourselves and the world. No one likes to be ignored. Even the shyest amongst us is hoping to be noticed, to be counted and to have their humanity affirmed. When we offer hospitality to the traveler or bring comfort to one who has just lost everything in a natural disaster we help to restore faith in the world. We as a species are called “human –kind.” But too often these days—kindness is fleeting. Just coping in our world sometimes causes human beings to be brusque and self absorbed. But by emulating Abraham’s kindness to these travelers we can elevate and sanctify the name of all humanity and restore the “kindness” factor to human beings!
To Donate funds to help those affected by the Southern California fires:
San Diego Red Cross www.sdarc.org/donate.
Los Angeles Red Cross :
Call 1-800 HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or Donate online
For local donations and fund-raising inquires, call (310) 445-2685
Posted by Aaron at October 23, 2007 03:27 PM
