In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham, like our beloved rabbi, is recovering from surgery. Abraham is newly circumcised and at an old age, most likely in excruciating pain. In this moment of pain, we see Abraham perform an extraordinary act of kindness. In the heat of the day, while communing with the Divine, Abraham pauses for “hachnasat orchim,” the welcoming of strangers into his tent. Even in his pain, he does not shut down to the need of others, and he greets them and offers them hospitality.
Abraham reminds us that when we feel like we are not at our physical or emotional best, we allow ourselves to be in pain but to also remember those in need. When we are feeling helpless, we help someone.
In moments when we want to contract, we need to expand. Our tradition offers this prayer when we are suffering: and an opportunity for blessing when we say thank you for giving me the strength, here is an opportunity to perform a mitzvah, “modim anachnu lach-“ we are thankful. Helping others in need does not have to be about politics or beliefs. Abraham affirms that social responsibility must supersede religious belief and practice, articulated in the Talmud: hachnasat orchim — “Welcoming guests is greater than welcoming the Divine Presence” (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 127a). Our tradition asks us, can we go beyond our own personal story to go to something bigger, something more whole?
“Hachnasat Orchim” looks different in a pandemic. While we all want to help through “bikur cholim” “visiting of the sick” by going to Abington Hospital to visit Rabbi Sussman; or to be next to those we love when they are suffering with Covid-19, or visit a friend in need. Instead, kindness can be found in a phone call, text message, sending a meal through our Caring Community, bringing food to the synagogue, group card, and in prayer.
Prayer and love are healing. Helping those in need brings a sense of holiness and wholeness to our hearts, our community and our world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Amy E. Levy
Comments(18)
Rhoda Hershman says:
November 5, 2020 at 4:14 pmIt is obvious that nothing can keep a very good man down.
Wishing you a speedy recovery with love and best wishes,
Rhoda
Doris & Paul Schor says:
November 5, 2020 at 4:51 pmWe wish you the very best of health and a speedy complete recovery. You are so very special to everyone that knows you.
Rhoda Hershman says:
November 5, 2020 at 4:16 pmIt is obvious that nothing keeps a very good man down
Wishing you a speedy recovery with love and best wishes,
Rhoda Hershman
Harriet B Schiffer says:
November 5, 2020 at 4:19 pmWe need you! Wishing you a speedy recovery with love and best wishes. The Kente Lady (Harriet)
Barbara Bronstein says:
November 5, 2020 at 4:42 pmSo glad the surgery is behind you. Now forward to a speedy and complete recovery.
Laurie Myers says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:05 pmWe are glad that your surgery was successful and wish you well and on your road to a healthy recovery.
Laurie and Jack
Linda Nesvisky says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:33 pmDear Rav Shelanu, Refuah Shlemah. Now for the hard part: Your slowing down to give your body full recovery time. Please do it! Then, I shall look forward to zooming with you on our Shabbat study sessions.
Gail Schwartz says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:36 pmSo happy to know that your surgery was a success. Wishing you a refu’ah shlemah!
EMILY GREENBERG says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:47 pmMay your recovery be smooth and swift!
Love, Em and Howard💕
Irv Matusow/Barbara Rudnick says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:56 pmBest wishes for a continued recovery. Refuah schlema Rav.
Charlene & Nathaniel Mayer says:
November 5, 2020 at 5:58 pmDearest Rabbi, Heal, live long & teach!
Flossy and Bill Clyman says:
November 5, 2020 at 6:48 pmBill and I wish you a speedy and complete recovery, and look forward to zooming with you soon again.
william schur says:
November 5, 2020 at 6:25 pmDear Lance,
Lesley and I are delighted to know that your recovery is going well! We send our best wishes, and hope to see you soon, if only via ZOOM!
CCarol and Art Silverman says:
November 5, 2020 at 7:10 pmBest wishes for a complete and quick recovery. Then, try to take things a little easier from now on. We need you.
Marlene and Marc Adler says:
November 5, 2020 at 8:29 pmSending love and wishes to heal quickly. May you be up and about soon! 🕊🍃
Nancy & Bernie Shapiro says:
November 5, 2020 at 10:20 pmWishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery followed by good health.
Karen Schloss says:
November 5, 2020 at 11:11 pmYou are in our thoughts and prayers. Be a good patient and have patience. Healing is slow but inevitable;
Let it happen. 💜
Renate Elgart says:
November 6, 2020 at 9:16 pmI know that you will do well. It is 2020 after all and they have all of this down pat. Thinking of you, Liz and the rest of the Sussman family, know that I pray for your well-being and complete recovery. Love & Kisses, Renate Elgart