VaYeira (Sat. 4th November /20th Cheshvan)
When is a House a Jewish Home?
Your Weekly Mission - By Rabbi Laibl Wolf
Abraham, already an old man, is circumcised and is convalescing. Yet, seeing strangers in the distance, he invites them in. Not for company, but because his mission is to influence people to lead a better life through belief and wisdom. This should be our goal as well, and our home should visibly reflect that same goal and mission.
Notes:
• In the opening words of the Parsha, Vayera, we find Abraham on the front porch of his tent-home. He had just been circumcised three days earlier, at the age of 99, and was presumably suffering pain as a result and hence was sitting down, convalescing. Yet, noting three strangers approaching, he painfully gets up to greet them and even invites them in. This is what Abraham is - host extraordinaire – Ish Chessed, a person whose sole goal in life is to serve others and befriend them and then teach them – even when it isn’t a convenient moment.
• In today’s society we entertain mainly to enjoy company. But Abraham teaches sets a higher standard. Not just for the company or the food, but because your very home is a place of Jewish enrichment.
• For this your home must have something to offer. Is it a peaceful home? Is it a serene home? Does it convey wisdom? Is it adorned with meaningful Jewish art? Does it leave the guest feeling more Jewish? Does your home leave the Abrahamic fragrance of goodness and generosity?
• A Jewish home invites people even at inconvenient times, but times of need. At all times the home should be a teacher and instructor.