Parshas Vayera 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
וימהר אברהם האהלה אל שרה ויאמר מהרי ... ויקח בן בקר רך וטוב ויתן אל הנער (יח-ו,ז)
In our parsha, we encounter two very different approaches to performing acts of kindness and hachnasas orchim. The approach of Avraham Avinu and the approach of his nephew, Lot. Regarding Avraham the Torah tells us that he sought to include both Sarah and Yishmael in the mitzvah, making it a family project. Lot, on the other hand, single-handedly took care of the Malachim, baking matzos and serving them. What is the difference in the results?
R’ Reuven Grozovsky zt”l explained as follows: When one does a מעשה מצוה alone, its impact is likely just on the one performing said mitzvah, and it won’t necessarily spill over to others. When, however, it is done inclusively, and not as an exclusive endeavor, the hashpa’ah filters down to all those involved, positively affecting them. Thus, regarding Avraham Avinu the Torah later relates, "ושני נעריו עמו" and "וילכו שניהם יחדו". Whereas concerning Lot, the Torah writes, "ויהי כמצחק בעיני חתניו". His family degraded him. His actions weren’t reflected by, nor accepted by, even his closest kin.
The next machshava complements this vort. There’s a posuk in Mishlei (17-16) that states "עטרת זקנים בני בנים ותפארת בנים אבותם" - “Grandchildren are the crown of their elders, the glory of children are their parents” R’ Reuven added one word to beautifully illuminate the meaning of this posuk: "עטרת זקנים בני בנים בזמן שתפארת בנים אבותם". When are the children, the crown for the Zaidas? Only when the children feel that their glory is predicated on who their ancestors are. Only when there is respect and awe toward, and in connection with parents, will the children be the pride of their parents. When the children partake together with the elders in all aspects of our rich mesorah, they will strive to emulate them too.
May we and our children be zoche to continue the glorious chain of our mesorah.