Hi,

There’s one more story about Lot.

And unfortunately, it’s on my mind today.

We had seen that Lot was hosting two guests.

The “people of Sodom” surrounded his home in order to sexually assault them.

Lot’s response?

Shocking!

He went out and pleaded with them.  (Genesis; 4-8)

“I beg you… do not act wickedly.

…I have two daughters… do to them as you please… but to these men do nothing.

Because they have come under my roof”!

… It’ seems impossible to comprehend Lot.

What man wouldn’t fight to the death to protect his daughters?

 And Lot hands them over to protect his guests?

 ‘Because they have come under my roof”!

…I think about this story often.

And unfortunately, I thought of it today.

We’ve mentioned that Lot is a tragic figure.

Abraham’s nephew who went his own way.  And moves to Sodom.

… We’ve discussed one of Abraham’s fundamental values.

Hospitality.  Taking care of guests.

How it’s such a spiritual thing to do.

And Lot inherited this value from Abraham.

But he perverted it.

 Abraham’s value is about the sanctity of every human being.

How every human being is created in the Image of G-d.

But Lot was affected by living in Sodom.

And he lost sight of the Divine Image.

A guest became something “sacred”.  Never mind why!

And he would sacrifice his own daughters to protect his guests!

 …Unfortunately, today’s news reminded me of Lot!

The Arabs share our value of  “hospitality.”

They trace it back to Abraham as well.

Because they come from Ishmael, Abraham’s other son.

They’re known for treating guests like royalty.

… But there’s a problem.  A very big problem.

There are too many people that have perverted Abraham’s value.

Who can treat a guest like a king and then go out and blow up a bus.

Can dance in celebration when human beings are blown apart.

Or at the very least, not protest against someone who does!

… And that’s impossible if we honor guests for the reason Abraham taught us.

Because every human being is sacred!

 … We need to affirm what Abraham taught us.

And go out of our way to show respect for every human being!

 All the best,