In this week’s Torah Portion, Vayeiro, the Torah teaches us that[1] “Hashem appeared to him (Avrohom) in the plains of Mamre. He was sitting at the entrance of the tent when the day was hot.” Rashi tells us that Hashem appeared to Avrohom to visit the sick. It was the third day following his after his Bris, which is the most difficult.
Rashi goes on to explain that Avrohom was sitting at the entrance of his tent “to see whether there were any passersby whom he would bring into his house.”
Throughout his lifetime, Avrohom worked tirelessly to publicize Hashem’s name to everyone around him. He did so even at the advanced age of ninety-nine. Moreover, kept this up on the third and the most painful and challenging day following his circumcision. He sat outside under the blazing Sun to invite people into his home.
Hospitality was one way with which our forefather spread Hashem’s name. He would invite a guest into his home. Sparing no expense, he would give his guest food and drink. At the end of this lavish meal, the visitor would thank him for the unexpected pleasure. He never accepted the thank-you. Instead, he would let his guest know that they were thanking the wrong host. All of the food and drink came from Hashem[2].
We, who are Avrohom’s descendants, must learn a vital lesson from this in our service of Hashem. Some have spent their lives drawing those around them close to Hashem. Furthermore, their efforts bore fruit. They changed the lives of many people.
Such a person might think that at some point he is entitled to rest. Why shouldn’t he rest from his difficult work? Avrohom’s actions teach us that this is not true. Even at the age of ninety-nine he must continue his holy work. .He must be concerned that there may be one more person that needs to be taught that there is a G-d in this world.
We must all learn this lesson, and make it a part of our lives. In this merit, Hashem will certainly bring Moshiach now!
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Shmuel MendelsohnAdapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 2, p. 84 ff.
DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
מוקדש לזכות כ”ק אדמו”ר נשיא דורנו מליובאוויטש
IN HONOR OF
The Soldiers of Tzivos Hashem Chaim and Aiden Oded שיחיו Morris
DEDICATED BY THEIR PARENTS
Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem M. and Chaya Mushka שיחיו Morris
לזכות
חיילי “צבאות השם” חיים ועדן עודד שיחיו מאריס
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נדפס ע”י הוריהם
הרה”ת ר’ מנחם מענדל וזוגתו מרת חי’ מושקא שיחיו מאריס
[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 18:1.
[2]. See the Talmud Sotah 10b.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 