1. The Beginning of Parshas Vayera: Avraham’s Chesed
The portion of Vayera begins with Hashem visiting Avraham after his circumcision, which took place at the age of ninety-nine. This was a physically taxing experience for Avraham, leaving him ill and in need of recovery. Despite his pain, Hashem Himself comes to visit Avraham, demonstrating the mitzvah of bikur cholim—visiting the sick. While Avraham is sitting at the entrance of his tent, he notices three men approaching. As we know from the narrative, these were not ordinary men but angels sent by Hashem. Even though Avraham was in discomfort, he immediately goes out to greet them, embodying the trait of chesed—kindness.2. Prioritizing Guests Over Divine Presence
A fascinating point emerges from the Talmud and is brought down by Rashi: Avraham asks Hashem to wait while he attends to his guests. This seems almost disrespectful—how could one ask Hashem to wait? Yet, from here the Talmud learns that inviting guests is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence. This teaches us that as important as our relationship with Hashem is, our obligations to other people can sometimes take precedence. The Rebbe offers a novel insight into this idea by analyzing Maimonides’ approach: mitzvos can be divided into those between man and God (bein adam laMakom) and those between man and fellow man (bein adam lechavero). When serving Hashem, intention and feeling are paramount; but when it comes to helping others, action is what truly counts.3. The Deeper Meaning of Inviting Guests
While most interpersonal mitzvos focus on action over intention, the Rebbe highlights that when it comes to inviting guests (hachnasas orchim), making them feel good is also essential. It’s not enough just to provide food and drink; one must ensure that guests feel welcomed and cared for. Avraham’s example teaches us that true kindness involves both providing for physical needs and giving emotional attention. Sometimes a host may serve a meal but act in a way that makes guests uncomfortable or unwelcome. The mitzvah is only complete when we make others feel valued.4. Escorting Guests: Leviyah as an Expression of Care
An important aspect of hachnasas orchim is escorting guests after their visit—leviyah. In earlier times (and sometimes even today), this was necessary for safety reasons. The Rebbe emphasizes that escorting a guest demonstrates genuine care: you’re not just fulfilling an obligation because someone needed food; you’re showing ongoing concern for their well-being. The act of escorting reveals whether your kindness stems from true care or mere duty. If you continue to look after your guest even after their immediate needs are met, it shows your actions come from a place of love and attention rather than obligation alone.5. The Essence of Chesed: Attention vs. Action
The Rebbe raises an intriguing question: If we learn the mitzvah of inviting guests from Avraham’s encounter with angels who didn’t actually need food, how can this serve as our model? The answer lies in understanding that the core of hachnasas orchim isn’t just about meeting physical needs but about giving attention and making others feel cared for. Avraham’s greatness was in noticing others and showing them they mattered—even before any food was served or any words were exchanged with Hashem about waiting. This teaches us that real kindness involves seeing others’ needs on every level.6. Intention Matters: Stories from the Talmud
The Talmud illustrates how intention affects mitzvos through stories about honoring parents. One son feeds his father delicacies but does so disrespectfully, earning no reward despite his outward actions. Another son makes his father work hard but does so out of concern for his safety, earning great merit. Similarly, when it comes to charity (tzedakah), sometimes publicizing donations inspires others to give more, benefiting those in need even if humility would suggest otherwise. The bottom line is always what benefits the recipient most—the practical outcome takes precedence over personal feelings or intentions.7. Humility as the Foundation for True Kindness
In Vayera’s second section, we see Avraham’s profound humility: “I am but dust and ashes.” The Rebbe explains there are two ways to be kind—from abundance (“I have extra so I’ll share”) or from humility (“Why do I deserve more than another?”). True chesed flows from humility, where one is willing even to sacrifice personal comfort for another’s benefit. Avraham exemplified this by risking himself for Lot during the war against the kings—a kindness rooted not in surplus but in selflessness.8. Lessons for Today: Inheriting Avraham’s Traits
We learn two main lessons from Avraham: First, when performing acts of kindness such as inviting guests, don’t just fulfill their needs—make them feel good about themselves and your relationship with them. Second, approach all acts of giving with humility rather than pride or condescension. As descendants of Avraham, we inherit these qualities and have the power to emulate them in our own lives. Through practicing true chesed and humility, we not only improve ourselves but also influence society at large—teaching kindness on a global scale as Avraham did before us. Ultimately, by making our world more compassionate and welcoming through these values, we fulfill our purpose in creation and hasten the coming of Mashiach—may it be speedily in our days!