Despite the covenant made with God, Avraham leaves God’s company, so-to-speak, in order to greet and care for three men whom he initially thought were ordinary nomads. Avraham did not perceive his covenant with God as mandating that he isolate himself with the Almighty. Rather, it meant becoming the Almighty’s partner in caring for and tending to the needs of His creations.
Parashat Vayera begins with the story of the three mysterious guests – whom the Torah later identifies as angels – who are hosted by Avraham. We read that upon seeing the three men, Avraham immediately ran over to them and said, “Please do not pass by your servant” (18:3). The Gemara in Masekhet Shavuot (35b) cites one view that interprets this statement as directed towards God, and not towards the three travelers. God had appeared to Avraham before he saw the three men, and thus Avraham turned to God, as it were, and asked him to wait for him while he goes to invite and welcome the three visitors. On this basis, the Gemara establishes the famous concept, “Welcoming guests is greater than greeting the presence of the Shekhina.” If Avraham left the Shekhina’s presence to care for three guests, it must be that this mitzva of hakhnasat orchim (welcoming guests) is of greater value than spending time with the Shekhina.
The story of the three guests follows on the heels of the story of Avraham’s circumcision, with which the previous parasha, Parashat Lekh-Lekha, concludes. Avraham had just entered into an eternal covenant with God, a special close relationship which is symbolized by the permanent mark of the berit mila. God’s appearance to Avraham at the beginning of Parashat Vayera marks the first prophetic vision which Avraham beheld after forging this special relationship. When seen from this perspective, the model of hospitality set by Avraham becomes especially significant. Despite the covenant made with God, Avraham leaves God’s company, so-to-speak, in order to greet and care for three men whom he initially thought were ordinary nomads, and even idolaters (Rashi, 18:4).
Avraham did not perceive his berit with God as mandating that he isolate himself and spend his time alone with the Almighty. Rather, his devotion to God went hand-in-hand with his devotion to other people; it meant becoming the Almighty’s partner in caring for and tending to the needs of His creations. This is the full import of the adage, “Welcoming guests is greater than greeting the presence of the Shekhina.” Even as we strive to nurture and cultivate our relationship to God, we must not remain secluded and withdrawn, and must rather follow His example of showing kindness and compassion to all people.