When you think “deeply spiritual person”, what images come to mind?
A person fervently praying with sincere devotion? Perhaps on a serene mountaintop, or in a quiet synagogue?
Of course, prayer is a great and important thing.
In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham teaches us that spirituality encompasses far more than that:
Now the Lord appeared to him [Abraham] in the plains of Mamre, and he was sitting at the entrance of the tent…And he lifted his eyes and saw…three men were standing beside him, and he saw and he ran toward them…(Genesis 18:1-2).
Imagine, Abraham is communing with G-d, and then he leaves to go speak to some guests! Not only that, he invites them to freshen up, relax, and eat a meal that he prepares.
You would think that speaking with G-d Himself would take precedence over hosting strangers…
In fact, Abraham teaches us that his hospitality was a greater spiritual act.
As Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith explains, “Instead of just talking to G-d, he became like G-d through his acts of kindness. With this, Abraham teaches us: ‘Greater is welcoming guests than receiving the Divine Presence’ (Shabbat 127a).”
G-d is the ultimate giver. If we strive to also become givers, we are emulating a divine trait.
G-d is also our ultimate parent. This means that we are all family; brothers and sisters. Just as a parent loves all of their kids, and wants them to care for each other, G-d wants us to be there for one another.
While it is important to pray and connect with G-d privately, we must also remember that a connection with G-d happens when we show love and respect to those around us.
Abraham helps teach us an important lesson about spirituality.
He shows us that it’s more than a one-on-one conversation with G-d.
When you make an effort to truly connect with others – who are all G-d’s children – you connect with Him at the same time.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danielle and the JET Team
