וירא אליו רק ביום השלישי

1. Community Unity and the Value of Kindness

This gathering is a beautiful expression of unity—different shuls coming together, supporting one another, and demonstrating what makes our community special. Baruch Hashem—thank God, this unity reflects our true character, and it’s something other communities can learn from: bringing people together for tefillah—prayer, learning Torah, and performing mitzvos—commandments as one.

This theme ties directly into this week’s parsha, where we encounter the special qualities of kindness. We read about Avraham Avinu extending himself to guests, welcoming them into his home even while experiencing a revelation from Hashem. The Gemara teaches that Avraham prioritized hachnasas orchim—welcoming guests—even over receiving the Divine Presence itself. This highlights how important it is to cultivate good middos—character traits—and to reach out to others.

2. The Mystery of “Vayeira Eilov Hashem”

Before we even get to Avraham’s actions, the Torah introduces the scene with: Vayeira eilov Hashem be’eilonei Mamre—God appeared to him by the plains of Mamre. But if we look closely, there is no immediate dialogue between Hashem and Avraham following this appearance. Only later in the parsha, when Hashem discusses Sedom and Amora with Avraham, do we see any direct communication.

This raises a question: What was the purpose of this initial appearance? Rashi and the Gemara explain that Hashem came to visit Avraham as a sick person—mevakker choleh. After undergoing circumcision at ninety-nine years old, Avraham was in pain and needed support. The Torah teaches us that just as Hashem visited the sick, so too must we take responsibility for visiting those who are unwell—offering comfort both physically and emotionally.

3. Why Did Hashem Wait Until the Third Day?

Rashi and the Gemara note that this visit occurred on the third day after Avraham’s circumcision. This leads us to wonder: Why did Hashem wait until then? Why not visit on the first or second day?

One answer is that Hashem wants us to perform mitzvos in a natural way. Sometimes fulfilling a mitzvah comes with a price—financially or physically. Whether it’s buying tefillin or kosher food, giving tzedakah, or educating children in Torah values, there is often a cost involved. Similarly, some mitzvos involve physical discomfort or pain—like bris milah, which is painful for both infants and adults.

4. Experiencing Mitzvos Naturally—Pain and Reward

Avraham’s experience teaches us that part of our connection to Hashem involves accepting these challenges willingly. If Hashem had visited earlier or healed Avraham supernaturally before three days had passed—the usual time for healing—it would have removed an essential aspect of performing mitzvos: enduring their natural difficulties.

By waiting until the third day—the point when healing typically begins—Hashem allowed Avraham to fully experience both the mitzvah itself and its associated pain. Only then did He send Malach Rifoel—the angel of healing—and appear Himself to comfort Avraham.

5. The Universal Lesson of “Vayeira Eilov”

There is also a deeper message in how the Torah phrases this episode: Vayeira eilov—He appeared to him—rather than stating explicitly that He appeared to Avraham by name. This suggests that such an encounter with Hashem is not reserved only for someone on Avraham’s level.

Every Jew has within them the potential for such Divine connection if they strive to do their best in serving Hashem. When we accept whatever price comes with our observance—whether financial sacrifice or physical discomfort—we merit moments when Hashem appears in our lives as well, helping us along our journey in avodas Hashem—service of God.