A Thought On Parshas Va'yera
A Thought On Parshas Va'yera
"...ken ta'aseh ka'asher dibarta..."
"...so do what you said you'd do..." (18:5)
Avraham invited his three guests for a meal and they seem to have replied "so go get it." He seems to have treated these wayfarers so kindly despite his ailing recovery from the recent bris mila. He offered them water and bread, they seem to expect him to provide it, then he brings them a substantial feast instead. What transpired between the four of them?
The Bechor Shor offers two interpretations. The first he brings in the name of "Rabbeinu Ovadia zt'l" who suggests that the men's response was not at all an entitled order as if they expected Avraham to feed them. Rather, the words "ken ta'aseh ka'asher dibarta" were a form of bracha that they gave their voluntary host. "So shall you be able to do always, as you have spoken!" The guests applauded Avraham's spontaneous generosity, recognizing that this was his style and his manner of helping others. They gave him their blessing that he should always be able to continue in his chosen path of being good to other people. This is similar to our colloquialism of "ya'ashar ko'chacha" - may your strength be assured - which we wish or bless others when they have done good things. Remember when you in fact say those words to someone that you should intend it as a blessing. You are giving a bracha.
Meanwhile, the Bechor Shor has a different view. He wonders how it is that Avraham offered them bread and water yet provided them with a lavish meal instead. He reasons that the men were polite and even humble, so when they were offered very simple fare, they said that this would be fine. "So shall you do just as you have offered." They didn't murmur to themselves "as long as you are volunteering to feed us while we trek across this demanding terrain, how about something tasty for us starving travelers?" Rather, they simply said "anything you offer will be fine."
In turn, Avraham went to significant lengths to furnish them with a complete repast because he was working on the ethical value (Pirkei Avos 1:15) of emor m'at v'aseh harbeh - say little but do much. This is one of the teachings of Shammai, who modeled the value of greeting all people pleasantly. Avraham greeted the unexpected visitors, welcomed them, and drew little attention to himself, other than to show his devotion to being giving and considerate. Remember when offering to help someone that there is a nobility in remaining nice about it, in downplaying your own role and efforts, and putting a nice touch on things so that you exceed yourself without expecting credit or further recognition.
Wishing you a good Shabbos which I will be spending in Jerusalem preparing for the bris of my son R'Akiva's newest son i'y'H. D Fox
"...ken ta'aseh ka'asher dibarta..."
"...so do what you said you'd do..." (18:5)
Avraham invited his three guests for a meal and they seem to have replied "so go get it." He seems to have treated these wayfarers so kindly despite his ailing recovery from the recent bris mila. He offered them water and bread, they seem to expect him to provide it, then he brings them a substantial feast instead. What transpired between the four of them?
The Bechor Shor offers two interpretations. The first he brings in the name of "Rabbeinu Ovadia zt'l" who suggests that the men's response was not at all an entitled order as if they expected Avraham to feed them. Rather, the words "ken ta'aseh ka'asher dibarta" were a form of bracha that they gave their voluntary host. "So shall you be able to do always, as you have spoken!" The guests applauded Avraham's spontaneous generosity, recognizing that this was his style and his manner of helping others. They gave him their blessing that he should always be able to continue in his chosen path of being good to other people. This is similar to our colloquialism of "ya'ashar ko'chacha" - may your strength be assured - which we wish or bless others when they have done good things. Remember when you in fact say those words to someone that you should intend it as a blessing. You are giving a bracha.
Meanwhile, the Bechor Shor has a different view. He wonders how it is that Avraham offered them bread and water yet provided them with a lavish meal instead. He reasons that the men were polite and even humble, so when they were offered very simple fare, they said that this would be fine. "So shall you do just as you have offered." They didn't murmur to themselves "as long as you are volunteering to feed us while we trek across this demanding terrain, how about something tasty for us starving travelers?" Rather, they simply said "anything you offer will be fine."
In turn, Avraham went to significant lengths to furnish them with a complete repast because he was working on the ethical value (Pirkei Avos 1:15) of emor m'at v'aseh harbeh - say little but do much. This is one of the teachings of Shammai, who modeled the value of greeting all people pleasantly. Avraham greeted the unexpected visitors, welcomed them, and drew little attention to himself, other than to show his devotion to being giving and considerate. Remember when offering to help someone that there is a nobility in remaining nice about it, in downplaying your own role and efforts, and putting a nice touch on things so that you exceed yourself without expecting credit or further recognition.
Wishing you a good Shabbos which I will be spending in Jerusalem preparing for the bris of my son R'Akiva's newest son i'y'H. D Fox
posted by Rabbi Dr. Fox at 10:25 PM
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