This week’s Parsha, VaYera, can make you dizzy with the tests and challenges presented to Avraham and Sarah. The Parsha opens up with Avraham sitting in front of his tent recovering from his brit milah at the age of 99. While sitting there, he is approached by three strangers. Forgetting his pain he jumps up and welcomes them with open arms, providing them with food and drink. Did they know he was convalescing? Were they performing the Mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim, visiting the sick? We do learn later that they were the angels, according to rabbinic tradition, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (the angel of healing). We see how these visitors lifted Avraham from his pain and, forgetting his pain, he performs the Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests. How many of us know that when we visit someone who is ill, they can indeed be relieved of their pain?
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