Our parasha Vayera opens with one of the most moving scenes in the Torah: Avraham Avinu recovering from his brit milah, sits at the entrance of his tent in the blazing heat, searching for guests to welcome.
The Torah tells us: “And God appeared to Avraham … and he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, three men were standing before him.” Here, Avraham—at the age of ninety-nine, weakened and in pain—teaches us what it truly means to live a life of selflessness and kindness. Despite his own discomfort, his first instinct is to care for others. It is this same quality that God cherishes in him, and it becomes the foundation of what it means to live as a Jew.
The parasha begins with the words, “And God appeared to him.” Rashi explains that this was not a visit with a message or command, but an act of “bikur cholim”- visiting the sick. God came simply to comfort Avraham.
From this, the Torah models the mitzvah of caring for those who are vulnerable—those who might feel unseen, forgotten, or alone. God Himself visits the sick, reminding us that true greatness lies in attention to the small acts of love that uphold human dignity.
In a world that often celebrates strength, productivity, and youth, Parashat Vayera reminds us to “lift our eyes” and truly “see” those who need care—the elderly, the lonely, the frail. Like Avraham, we are called not to turn away, but to run toward them with empathy and warmth. The Torah repeatedly commands us to honor and care for our elders: “You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the elder.”
This mitzvah is more than an expression of respect—it is an acknowledgment of the infinite value of every human being. Our elders carry within them stories, wisdom, and experiences that connect generations. To honor them is to honor our own roots and the chain of tradition that sustains us.
In Parashat Vayera, Avraham’s concern for others is mirrored later when he pleads for the people of Sodom, arguing passionately for their lives despite their corruption. His compassion is boundless—it extends even to those who are undeserving. This teaches us that caring for the vulnerable is not conditional; it is a reflection of our divine image.
When Avraham runs to serve his guests, he demonstrates not only kindness but spiritual vision. The same eyes that “lifted and saw” the three men are the eyes that recognize holiness within humanity.
To care for the vulnerable is to see what God sees—to perceive the divine spark in every person, regardless of their age or weakness. Each visit, each gesture of help, each patient conversation with an elder becomes a moment of revelation—a modern “Vayera”, where God’s presence is felt through human compassion.
In our communities today, the mitzvah of caring for the elderly and vulnerable remains as urgent as ever. Whether it’s visiting a grandparent, helping an isolated neighbor, or supporting those who are ill, these acts of kindness are the heartbeat of Jewish life. When we pause our busy lives to show care, we walk in the footsteps of Avraham Avinu and fulfill the will of Hashem. We become living expressions of divine love.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen