Visit Sick / Welcome Strangers
Genesis 18:1 the beginning of Vyera - “He Appeared”
Led by Rabbi Janet Marder
Abraham’s Tent – he is sitting at the door watching
The personality of Abraham develops even more
Structure divided in 2 parts
First – when God appears this time there is no description of the content of the interaction between Abraham and God
This is when God visits Abraham because he is “sick” and recovering from the circumcision.
Interepretations of the structure:
1 – a headline to be followed by the “story”
2 – a one sentence revelation
Nachmanades – there is no purpose other than just that Abraham is in the presence of God.
Rashi – It is the 3rd day after the circumcision which is the most painful (again noted in the story later regarding Dinah)
It is simply God setting the precedent of visiting the sick. It is a reward to Abraham for his devotion.
Talmud Tractate Sotah – The way to imitate God when you visit the sick (and bury the dead) - entirely for the other person a selfless act
http://www.come-and-hear.com/sotah/sotah_14.html
(this led to a lot of discussion on motivations and reasons for visiting the sick and also about not die alone)
Hirsch – God’s presence is everywhere. But God is not always visible – It was Abraham’s act of circumcision that allowed him to see God. An act of devotion and obedience to the mitzvot.
Abraham in Mamre – the place
This place is mentioned earlier in Genesis.
“In the doorway of the tent”
Rashi – Abraham is looking for passers by he might welcome to his tent and offer hospitality. AND he was sitting with God.
Welcoming the Stranger – inviting them to your home.
The spelling in Hebrew for “sitting” is missing a vav -
Rashi – Abraham tried to stand up when God came and God said not to worry about that - God stands over Abraham.
“in the heat of the day”
Is the way Torah indicated time)
Midrash:
God is there with Abraham, and Abraham is more interested in looking for guests than in the Devine presence – Hospitality is his highest priority.
http://tinyurl.com/2cmrhek
Led by Rabbi Janet Marder
Abraham’s Tent – he is sitting at the door watching
The personality of Abraham develops even more
Structure divided in 2 parts
- the three strangers
- the announcement of the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah
First – when God appears this time there is no description of the content of the interaction between Abraham and God
This is when God visits Abraham because he is “sick” and recovering from the circumcision.
Interepretations of the structure:
1 – a headline to be followed by the “story”
2 – a one sentence revelation
Nachmanades – there is no purpose other than just that Abraham is in the presence of God.
Rashi – It is the 3rd day after the circumcision which is the most painful (again noted in the story later regarding Dinah)
It is simply God setting the precedent of visiting the sick. It is a reward to Abraham for his devotion.
Talmud Tractate Sotah – The way to imitate God when you visit the sick (and bury the dead) - entirely for the other person a selfless act
http://www.come-and-hear.com/sotah/sotah_14.html
(this led to a lot of discussion on motivations and reasons for visiting the sick and also about not die alone)
Hirsch – God’s presence is everywhere. But God is not always visible – It was Abraham’s act of circumcision that allowed him to see God. An act of devotion and obedience to the mitzvot.
Abraham in Mamre – the place
This place is mentioned earlier in Genesis.
“In the doorway of the tent”
Rashi – Abraham is looking for passers by he might welcome to his tent and offer hospitality. AND he was sitting with God.
Welcoming the Stranger – inviting them to your home.
The spelling in Hebrew for “sitting” is missing a vav -
Rashi – Abraham tried to stand up when God came and God said not to worry about that - God stands over Abraham.
“in the heat of the day”
Is the way Torah indicated time)
Midrash:
God is there with Abraham, and Abraham is more interested in looking for guests than in the Devine presence – Hospitality is his highest priority.
http://tinyurl.com/2cmrhek
posted by Chavarah @ 7:07 AM
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