Drash on Vayeira 2024

Rabbi Adi Cohen

Temple Shalom Gold Coast

Do you remember the first time you set foot in a synagogue? The first time you took your child to a Maccabi sports activity, or your first visit to a Jewish youth group?. For some, it was a wonderful experience; for others, it was an experience that disengaged them from the Jewish community for years.

This week’s portion covers several events, including the visit of the three angels to Abraham, the destruction of S’dom and Amorah, and the Akeidah (the binding of Isaac). Each story provides us with a timeless spiritual lesson.

The Parashah opens with Abraham, still recovering from his circumcision, spotting three travellers approaching. Despite his own physical discomfort, he rushes to greet them, inviting them into his home with warmth and generosity. This moment serves as the first lesson about the importance of hospitality and the impact of first impressions.

Hachnasat Orchim is our responsibility to welcome guests with open arms, treating them with kindness and respect. This practice is not merely about offering food and shelter; it is about recognising the inherent dignity of every person and creating an environment where they feel valued and cared for. Hospitality is an expression of love and community.

Abraham does not wait for the guests to introduce themselves or assert their needs; he proactively seeks to ensure their comfort. Abraham’s immediate response to the travellers sets a tone of respect and kindness, openness and generosity, which is crucial in establishing trust. After a good meal, the visitors, who are later revealed to be angels, inform Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son. Perhaps openness to others may lead to unexpected blessings and insights.

When we encounter someone new, our willingness to engage plays a crucial role in how they perceive us and our intentions. If we approach others with genuine curiosity and respect, we open the door to deeper connections and understanding.

The Mishnah, Avot 3:7, teaches us that the divine presence can be found in our relationships with others. By welcoming guests and making them feel seen, heard, and valued, we not only fulfil a mitzvah, but also invite holiness into our lives. Each act of kindness becomes a reflection of our own values and beliefs, embodying the essence of the Torah as Torat Chaim.

The practice of hospitality is not without its challenges. In a world where people can often feel isolated or marginalised, we are called to examine how we can foster a culture of inclusivity and kindness. This requires intentionality and awareness. We are encouraged to welcome not only friends and family but also strangers.

The practicality of welcoming can be implemented through these Jewish values:

Hachnasat Orchim – Proactive Generosity: Like Abraham, we should strive to be proactive in our hospitality. Rather than waiting for invitations or opportunities to arise, we should seek ways to welcome others into our lives. “As their faces are not alike, their opinions are not alike” (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:2) – Embracing Diversity: Our communities are rich tapestries of different backgrounds and experiences. By welcoming diverse voices and perspectives, we enrich our own lives. This, however, requires openness and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones.

Succat Sh’lomecha – Creating Safe Spaces: Hospitality is about creating an environment where people feel safe and valued. We need to ensure that our homes, synagogues, and communities are places where people feel welcome, regardless of their background or beliefs.

“Chaviv Adam Sh’Nivrah B’Tzelem” (Mishnah, Avot 3:14) – Finding the Divine in Others: Finally, we should strive to see the divine spark in every individual. By recognizing that each person has their own story, we cultivate empathy, allowing our relationships to flourish.

Since the October attack on Israel, many former Israelis and local unaffiliated Jews are looking for a community to belong to, to be part of, to support, and to be supported by. Whether it is an Israeli dancing group, a synagogue, WIZO, or any other Jewish organisation, now is the time to be proactive, to welcome more people into our congregations and organisations, promoting a sense of community and belonging.

Parashat Vayeira invites us to embrace the values of hachnasat orchim and to understand the significance of first impressions. Through Abraham’s example, we learn that hospitality is not merely an act but a profound expression of our faith and commitment to building a holy community, K’hilat Kodesh.

May we take these lessons to heart and strive to create spaces of warmth and acceptance in our lives, embodying the values that lie at the core of our tradition. In these troubled times, this is needed more than ever.