(2015/5776)

In Parashat VaYeira, Avraham Avinu demonstrates the true meaning of Chesed. The Pasuk relates, “VaYisa Einav VaYar, VeHinei Sheloshah Anashim Nitzavim Alav, VaYar VaYaratz Likratam MiPetach HaOhel, VaYishtachu Artzah,” “And he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, three men were standing beside him, and he saw and he ran toward them from the entrance of the tent, and he prostrated himself to the ground” (BeReishit 18:2). Rashi (18:1 s.v. VaYeira Eilav) comments that this was the third day after Avraham’s Berit Milah, the day known to be the most painful, yet Avraham still ran to meet his potential guests. Avraham’s great Chesed is already apparent in the very beginning of the Parashah.

Several Pesukim later, Avraham is already exemplifying his ever-present Chesed. The Pesukim relate to us what happened while the three men were in his tent: “Yukach Na Me’at Mayim VeRachatzu Ragleichem VeHi’sha’anu Tachat HaEitz.… VaYomer Mahari Shelosh Se’im Kemach Solet Lushi VaAsi Ugot… VaYikach Chem’ah VeChalav UVen HaBakar Asher Asah, VaYitein Lifneihem,” “Please let a little water be taken, and bathe your feet, and recline under the tree... And Avraham said, ‘Hasten three Se’ah of meal and fine flour; knead and make cakes.’… And he took cream and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and he placed them before them” (18:4-8).

Avraham Avinu prepared a feast for his guests whom he did not know, and he was greatly rewarded for this. The Midrash Tanchuma (18:5 s.v. VaYisa Einav VaYar) explains that Bnei Yisrael were repaid for every action that Avraham did. Just as Avraham Avinu gave his guests water, so too Hashem gave Bnei Yisrael water in the desert. Just as Avraham gave his guests bread, so too Hashem gave Bnei Yisrael Man in the desert.

There are three puzzling questions we must ask ourselves about Avraham’s encounter with his guests. First, regarding Avraham’s statement to his guests, “Yukach Na Me’at Mayim,” Rashi comments (18:4 s.v. Yukach Na) that this action of bringing water was performed “Al Yedei Shaliach,” “through a messenger.” We clearly see the Pesukim telling us that Avraham did everything on his own, so why would he appoint someone else to do this petty action of bringing a meager amount of water? Second, Rashi comments (ad loc. s.v. VeRachatzu Ragleichem) that Avraham brought his guests water not for drinking, but for washing their feet, because Avraham was concerned that the guests were Arabs who worshipped the dust of their feet, and of course, Avraham, the opponent of Avodah Zarah, could not allow something so repulsive to enter his house. Assuming this was truly the underlying reason for bringing the water, why would Avraham have wanted only a little bit of water? He should have requested that they shower their whole bodies to completely remove any remnants of dust and impurity from themselves. Third, what is so significant about bringing only a little water that merited a reward for Bnei Yisrael later on in history?

The answer to these three questions can be derived from a story told about Rav Yisrael Salanter. Rav Yisrael Salanter was once invited to dine at the home of a wealthy individual. Since his hosts were having bread, they began the meal by washing their hands and reciting the Berachah of “Al Netilat Yadayim.” However, Rav Yisrael Salanter used only the minimum amount of water necessary to wash one’s hands according to the Halachah. After taking a bite to eat, the host curiously questioned Rav Salanter’s actions. He asked, “isn’t it said about one who washes with a lot of water that he will be blessed with prosperity? Because of my wealth, I have no shortage of water, so you could have washed much less conservatively. Why did you use such little water?”

Rav Salanter anticipated this question and had an immediate answer. He began by replying, “Who brings the water from your well?”

“The maid,” responded the owner. “Of course I don’t do such things myself.”

To this Rav Salanter replied, “So you want me to use up the water in the barrel, which will then require your maid to bring more water? I should act righteously at her expense? No! I would rather use the minimum amount of water in order to spare her the extra work. I’m sure I can find another way to achieve prosperity.”

Now we can understand the perplexing components of the story with Avraham’s three guests. Avraham did not want anything to do with possible Avodah Zarah muck. Therefore, he did not bring the water to cleanse it; instead, he appointed someone else to bring the water. However, Avraham would never force unnecessary labor upon someone; therefore, he requested that only a small amount of water be brought, only the minimum amount to eliminate the obscenity of Avodah Zarah.

We can learn two important lessons from Avraham’s encounter with his three guests. One lesson to learn from Avraham Avinu is that everybody must be treated with abundant Chesed. Additionally, we must try not to benefit at another person’s expense. Hopefully, by acting kindly and thinking about our fellows, we, as descendants of Avraham, will merit to continue to accrue benefits from Avraham Avinu’s righteous deeds.