גדולה הכנסת אורחים – אורחים מלאכים

1. Avraham’s Prioritization of Guests Over Divine Revelation

The parasha of Vayera opens with a striking lesson: the Gemara teaches that inviting guests into one’s home is even greater than greeting the Divine Presence. We see this from Avraham Avinu, who, while Hashem was visiting him—Vayera elav Hashem—asks Hashem to wait so he can run and invite the guests he sees outside. Rather than saying, “I’m busy with Hashem now,” Avraham interrupts his encounter with the Divine to tend to these travelers. This demonstrates that welcoming guests takes precedence, even over direct communication with Hashem.

2. The Paradox of Feeding Angels

However, there is something puzzling about this episode. As we read further and examine Rashi and the Gemara, we discover that these “guests” were actually angels. Angels do not eat physical food, so in reality, Avraham did not actually feed anyone. He prepared a lavish meal and extended hospitality, but there was no actual recipient who benefited from the food itself. This raises a question: if the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim—inviting guests—is about providing for others’ needs, why would Avraham leave Hashem for what appears to be an empty gesture?

3. The Essence of Tzedakah: Focus on the Recipient

To answer this, we must consider how different mitzvos function. Some mitzvos are primarily about benefiting the recipient. For example, tzedakah—charity—is all about helping those in need. The Gemara even allows one to test Hashem regarding tzedakah: if someone gives charity on condition that their child will be healed or another request fulfilled, it is permitted. Furthermore, publicizing one’s giving is encouraged if it inspires others to give more; as the Rebbe often quoted from the Teshuvas HaRashba, by tzedakah it is not necessary to be anonymous if publicity will help raise more funds for those in need. In these cases, the focus is on maximizing benefit for the recipient.

4. Hachnasas Orchim: Refinement of the Host

Most mitzvos, however, are designed to refine and elevate the person performing them rather than solely benefiting others. Hachnasas orchim is not just about feeding someone who lacks a meal; often guests could provide for themselves or are not in desperate need. The real essence lies in reaching out and making others feel welcome and cared for—bringing them into your home and your heart. As one rabbi explained, hachnasas orchim means not only bringing people into your house but also into your heart—making them feel valued and uplifted.

5. Avraham’s Eishel: Hospitality or Agenda?

Later in the parasha we read that Avraham planted an Eishel, which Rashi and Medrash describe as a large establishment where travelers could eat, drink, and rest freely. When guests finished their stay and offered thanks to Avraham rather than blessing Hashem, he would gently insist they acknowledge God as their benefactor—or else pay for their provisions at great cost! Some might view this as manipulative or self-serving—a way to further his own agenda under the guise of hospitality. But the Torah clarifies that Avraham’s kindness was genuine from the outset. In our parasha’s opening story with the angels, there was no teaching or agenda—just pure outreach and care for others’ comfort. This demonstrates that even when Avraham later used hospitality as an opportunity to inspire spiritual growth in his guests, it was rooted in authentic goodness and concern for both their physical and spiritual well-being.

6. Sharing Torah: A Form of Chesed

This idea extends beyond material kindness to spiritual generosity as well. The Gemara in Maseches Sanhedrin teaches that one who studies Torah but does not share it with others is considered to be degrading God’s word—nivzeh devar Hashem. Torah should be so precious that you want others to benefit from it too; withholding it diminishes its value.

7. The Rebbe’s Model: Kindness on All Levels

We see this approach embodied by the Rebbe’s work—reaching out emotionally, mentally, financially, physically—to all kinds of people: drug addicts, teens at risk, friendship circles for those with special needs, and more. These acts are not motivated by ulterior motives but by genuine care for others’ well-being on every level possible. Of course, if through helping someone physically you can also inspire them spiritually—to serve Hashem better—that is an added benefit for them as well as you. But fundamentally it all stems from authentic kindness—helping people wherever they are and however you can—and using every opportunity to bring goodness into their lives both materially and spiritually.