Vayera- The Divine presence in the stranger
In today’s modern world (some say post modern) it is hard to strive to be a Godly person. Surrounded by so much technology, so much ‘stuff’ our minds are so easily cluttered and distracted from the Godly and holy. In a way we can say we are so much closer to space travel,exploring outer space then discovering the inner space within our own souls.
So when we open up our Torah and read of the patriarchs and matriarchs and other biblical figures conversing with God our skepticism and hesitance to accept prophecy on the face of it is somewhat understandable.
However whilst the gift of prophecy is reserved for the elite individuals who dedicate their lives to walk in Gods ways, Judaism provides a myriad of practical pathways to connect us to God.
In Vayera we read of Abraham recovering from his circumcision. It is the heat of the day. God had arranged a particular scorching day so as to deter visitors as a kindness to Abraham who was renowned for his hospitality to strangers. Yet Abraham still sat at the entrance to his tent anxiously hoping for a stranger he could bestow kindness upon. And so God (as part of the Divine plan) brings three angels clothed in human form to visit Abraham. Each had a particular mission. One to heal Abraham (and save Lot), one to give the news regarding the miraculous arrival of Isaac and one to destroy Sedom. You see, in the code of law for angels, an angel can only have one mission. Before you ask, healing Abraham and saving Lot fall under the same category – saving.
As the angels arrive the Torah states
“And he said, “Adonai, if only I have found favor in your eyes, please do not pass on from beside your servant.”
The Midrash cited by Rashi provides two interpretations for the word Adonai. It either translates as “My Lords” and Abraham is addressing the angels directly or it is a Holy word referring to Hashem!
According to the second interpretation Abraham is requesting God not to leave whilst he tends to the needs of his guests!
Going back to the opening words of the Parsha (Vayera Elav) we see that God had appeared to Abraham. There was no specific message or words relayed to Abraham which leads the Talmud to conclude that God is actually coming to visit the sick. So God’s presence is with Abraham and yet Abraham is not satisfied. He is restless to perform the Mitzva of hospitality.
So much so that he politely requests God to pause the prophetic flow of energy whilst he gets busy with Sarah preparing delicious foods to feed his guests.
From here the Talmud concludes “Greater is the Mitzva of inviting guests then receiving the Divine Presence!”
This concept contains many profound secrets and ideas but on the simplest level we are being taught that striving for Godliness is not an exotic, other worldly pursuit. Spirituality is not at the expense of this material world.
Quite the contrary it is in the simple acts of kindness we perform everyday – in particular, the kindness and love we give to strangers which helps us see the Divine presence within the world itself and in the face of the stranger.
The ultimate purpose and direction of creation is not to get to heaven from earth but to bring heaven itself down to earth thus transforming our very coarse and physical dimension into a receptacle for Godliness.
Shabbat Shalom