Vayera
How do we treat the guests at the entrance of our tents?
Reflection by Ariel Dominique Hendelman, the Or HaLev Team
"This week’s parshah, Vayera, is full to the brim with drama: Yitzchak is born to the elderly Avraham and Sarah; Avraham argues with God over the potential destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; Avraham once again pretends that Sarah is his sister to a King. Finally, Avraham nearly sacrifices Yitzchak, at Divine behest, only to be stopped at the last moment.
Amidst all of the many twists and turns in the sacred mythology of Vayera, its title is derived from the parsha’s first line, `YHVH appeared to him [Avraham] by the trees of Mamre…`. The story then goes on to describe three strangers who come to Avraham and Sarah’s tent. The same word as the title is used but in a different form, vayar - these three figures appear to Avaraham, and Avraham, perceiving, or apprehending, that they are there, runs to greet them.
If the three strangers appear at the entrance of the tent, why does the text specify that Avraham `perceives` then. This seems extraneous. Many commentators interpret this to mean that these three strangers are not people at all, but rather angels. What is certain is that there is something very special about this encounter and about the incredible hospitality and generosity that Avraham and Sarah show to these three mysterious guests.
In our meditation practice, we encounter mysterious `guests` at the entrance to our tents all the time, whether in our daily life or in the tent of our inner landscape. How we treat them, whether or not we welcome them graciously and lovingly, will dictate how we treat ourselves, and undoubtedly inform how we engage with our Creator as well.
May this week’s parsha and our practice remind us to treat all guests at the entrance of our tents with openness and a willingness to be surprised."