November 14, 2008
16 Cheshvan, 5769

This D'var Torah was adapted from a Torah Reflection written by Rabbi Natan Fenner of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center.

Last week, Abraham and Sarah heeded God’s call to journey to the Promised Land. This week, Abraham takes the next step in affirming the emerging covenantal relationship with God through the mitzvah of brit milah, marking the first surgery by human hands. The passage opens post-circumcision, with Abraham, sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day, while recovering. Tradition tells us that God models the mitzvah of bikkur cholim, (visiting the sick), by appearing to Abraham during this time.

Another mitzvah that is connected to this story is that of hachnasat orchim - inviting guests into our home. Sitting looking out from his "open tent," Abraham spots three strangers. Despite the fact that he is recovering, the Torah tells us that he rushes to greet his guests and to himself prepare a meal for them. These two mitzvot might seem to be contradictory: The strangers were visiting someone who was sick, who in turn, was rushing around to make them feel at home! The visitors were trying to bring comfort and healing to Abraham, the consummate host, who only wanted to greet and feed his guests. So, they tried to minimize the burden of their visit.

How many of us have also felt that tension between wanting to put on a good face for someone who has come to visit or help, and not being a burden to those whom we visit?

Whether we are facing illness in our own lives and receiving comfort-givers, or reaching out to give comfort to others, we may do well to reflect on what we wish to bring to our encounters. Our openness to the push/pull of these moments may translate into a different kind of give and take. And then when the visit is over we might find we, like Abraham, have been helped to return, enriched, to our place.

The parasha beautifully captures the meaning of "Bringing Jewish Values to Life." These values sustain us and enable us to engage with others in their time of need and in our own time of need. And, our internalization of these values is what sustains our community - even in the most difficult of times.

This Shabbat, let us be kind to ourselves and gentle with others. May all burdens be lifted, as we reach out to one another in love and openness.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Nina J. Mizrahi