D'var Torah

Have you ever spent time in the desert? Maybe you were in the Negev in Israel, or the Mojave in California. Maybe you haven’t been in a desert, but you can certainly picture it. It’s hot, the sand stretches for miles, and shade is nowhere to be found. Maybe you’ve been somewhere else in the wilderness, camping or hiking, where the conditions are rough. Now, that you’re imagining yourself there… imagine you have a tent, or some sort of shelter. Wouldn’t you want to go fully inside of it? Hide from the sun and get respite from the elements? I would. Maybe there’s a mat or some pillows in there you can recline on, so you are comfortable inside, and out of the wilderness.
 
In Parashat Vayeira, we learn an important lesson about sitting in our tents. Though we can imagine the day was long and hot for Abraham, when we begin this parasha, we find Abraham sitting in a particular spot – right at the opening of his tent. Medieval commentator, Rashi, writes that Abraham specifically sat in this spot, so that he might see someone passing by, and could then invite them into his tent. And in the second verse of the parasha, he does, in fact, spot three men, and he rushes to greet them, offers them food, and allows them to rest. It’s fortunate that Abraham was keeping an eye out – as these are the three men who will eventually announce the good news of Sarah’s impending pregnancy. Abraham braves the elements of the wild for a chance at encountering others and it pays off big time.
 
In the fear and exhaustion of the past weeks, perhaps we have been inclined to pull away from the openings of our tents. For me, that’s been doom-scrolling alone on my couch for hours. (Anyone with me?) Perhaps your version of “staying inside” is different than mine, but I know each person is going through their own unique emotions and challenges right now, and it can be hard to sit at the doorway of the tent and be open to looking outside, seeing the sun, and greeting someone.
 
Whether at synagogue, around the Shabbat table, doing community outreach, rallying with Jews and allies as we call for the release of our hostages, or whatever else you are doing at the opening of your tent – now is the time to be in community. Now is the moment to sit where we can let the sun in, to notice the beautiful community around us, and let those who love us care for us. We are stronger together, at the doorway, in the light.
 
Shabbat Shalom. Am Yisrael Chai.
Cantor Sydney Michaeli