I: MORE INSIGHTS INTO ABRAHAM AND THE THREE STRANGERS

As I previously noted, Abraham overcame three challenges to give chesed (kindness) to the three strangers (Genesis 18:1-10)—his circumcision, the hot day and the presence of God.  And yet, he served the three strangers with enthusiasm and zeal.  He bowed down to them, and he understood what the strangers needed—to rest, to wash themselves, to eat and to have company.  Abraham fulfilled all these needs, and he pushed his family / servants to be prompt and to choose the best items to serve the three strangers. 

Instead of punishing Abraham for not praying and not bowing to him, God rewarded Abraham with a future child, and he broke the laws of nature to do it because Sarah was already 90 years old.  Just as God broke the laws of nature for Abraham based on his good behavior, so too will God break the laws of nature for us when he is satisfied with our behavior and confident that we can maintain it. 

A critical point is that God prefers we mimic his great and kind behaviors. He prefers we take good care of our fellow Jews first, and then we should pray to him. This is highlighted in Isaiah 1:10-17.  As it states, “…I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats…I cannot endure iniquity along with the solemn assembly…I will hide mine eyes from you…Yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear…Wash you, make you clean. Put away the evil of your doings. From before mine eyes, cease to do evil…Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow...”  Good behavior is needed to be nationally successful and for prayer to be effective.  And prayer is important.  We need to appreciate all of God’s creations by reminding him that we are aware of them.  We need to appreciate that God saves us even when we are not aware of it, and we need to make requests to help ourselves, our family, and our community.   

How can we improve our behavior?

We see from the example that hospitality is important, although it’s a one-sided form of friendship.  Synagogue leaders should study friendship and strive to make it important in every Synagogue and to study how to effectively do it, particularly for members who are 55+.  Such members may be retired or may be empty nesters looking for more social life.  In contrast, younger people work and interact through school and their kids, so they have less need and less time to interact.  

Members need to become part of synagogue clubs based on self-interests.  (See example of 21 potential activities).  Friendship decreases one’s loneliness and it improves communication skills and social activity with other people.  Friendship makes us more compassionate, empathetic, tolerant, charitable, and helpful.  Friendship allows us to explore new areas.  And friendship increases cohesiveness and unity in the community. 

Membership needs to get involved and organize activities, and we all need to participate. It is a solution for many of our woes, and it puts us on the pathway toward redemption. 

BN 11-6-23