More than emulating the Avot... Maybe it is even more than that. G-d wants us to be faithful to Him, to keep His Torah, to live by its values, to observe its mitzvot. So too does G-d want us to be (in some way) the kind of person that Avraham was. And it goes way beyond being a gracious host. It should include making a personal discovery of G-d - even if one is an FFB (frum from birth) and has grown up in an observant home, and continues to be Torah observant. There still is room and need for each Jew to personalize his relationship and feelings about G-d, thereby enhancing his commitment and resolve to live a Jewish life... and to encourage others to do the same. Remember that Avraham and Sara did not just run a soup kitchen or a free restaurant and inn (although those things are great acts of Chesed on their own). They combined their hospitality with teaching others belief in one G-d. They looked after the spiritual well-being of the stranger as well as his physical needs. These two goals can be worked towards at the same time - sharing Divrei Torah with guests. Setting the right kind of example to others whom you welcome into your home. And the goals can also be pursued separately. The Jew is dutibound to perform various acts of loving kindness and to learn and teach Torah to others. Some people are cut out for one or the other - some do both admirably. Avraham and Sara were caring people and good Jews. They help define what it is to be a Jew. The Torah tells us about the Avot and Imahot to provide us with constant lessons for Jewish Life. Look at their commitment to G-d, to Eretz Yisrael, to mitzvot, to Chesed. Avraham was not the only Jew who was sent to live in Eretz Yisrael. We all are. Because it is part of the definition of being a Jew. We must be kind to others, because it is part of the definition of who and what we are. [The Parshat Vayeira Homepage]
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