“Fetch a morsel of bread…” – from here [we learn that] the righteous say little and do much, and so it is proper to do, and therefore this story was written, so that one may learn from it good manners…
[Rabbi David Kimhi, Provence, 1160-1235]
Rabbi Kimhi, known by the acronym RaDaK, commented here on the story of Abraham welcoming guests into his tent in this week’s Torah reading (Genesis 18:1-8). The main activities in this story are actions – getting, preparing, and offering food to guests – not conversation, and so RaDaK described Abraham as a do-er not a talker.
“Good manners,” and good habits, are created through repeatedly doing better things over and over again.
Abraham serves as our model in running to welcome people and showing that welcome through offering food and comfort and hospitality before sitting down to talk with them.
Wishing all of you a week of welcome filled with encounters that show our caring and compassion, followed by conversations of understanding,