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CTN TORAH MINUTE


Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 05 May 2012 / 0 Comment



Hi,

Hope you’re having a great day!

Here’s one of the most fascinating stories in the Torah.  (Genesis,18)

… Abraham is sitting in front of his tent, recuperating from his circumcision.

And G-d appears to him.  Has something to tell him.

Prophecy.

But Abraham looks up and sees three strangers approaching.

And he does something unbelievable.

He says to G-d, “Please don’t leave.

I’m going to take care of these strangers.  I’ll be right back.”

Abraham puts G-d on hold!

… We know how it feels.

We’re on the phone and hear, “Hold on.  I have another call.”

It doesn’t quite make our day!

And Abraham puts G-d on hold?

The Talmud picks up on it

“From here we see that it’s greater to take care of guests than to speak to G-d.”

Sounds very nice.  But does it make sense?

What could be more spiritual than speaking to G-d?

… Ask a thinking person, “What would be the most meaningful experience possible?”

(We’re not talking fancy cars)!

They would probably say, “Boy.  If G-d would speak to me!”

And if you asked an atheist?

He might say, “If there was a G-d … and He would speak to me.”

The Talmud says no!

It’s taking care of people in need.

… It’s an amazing Torah teaching.

Sure.  Speaking to G-d is very spiritual.

Beyond our comprehension.

But there is something even more spiritual.

Emulating G-d!

… When we do acts of Chessed?  Acts of kindness?

We are being like G-d.

And that is the greatest!

 Have a great Shabbat,

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