The Message and the Messengers
Family Edition

Avraham is visited by three strangers who are in fact angels in disguise, sent by God. Although he is in pain from his brit milah, Avraham hurries to welcome them and gives them a fine meal. One of the angels has come to heal Avraham. Another comes to tell Avraham and his wife Sarah that they will soon have a son. The third angel is on the way to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Amorrah.

As the angels leave, God wonders whether Avraham should be told what will happen to Sodom and Amorrah. He decides that because Avraham will become a great leader who teaches people to do what is right and fair, he deserves to know.

• What does Avraham’s behaviour teach us? Is it possible to be kind even when we are not feeling great ourselves?
• Why do you think God wanted Avraham to know about the cities before they were destroyed?

לַעֲשׂוֹת‭ ‬צְדָקָה‭ ‬וּמִשְׁפָּט

“I have chosen him so that he may direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.”

(BEREISHIT 18:19)

Rabbi Sacks teaches us:

‘
he Bible tells us very little about Avraham that might explain why he is chosen for the mission he undertakes. It does not call him righteous, as it does in the case of Noach. It does not portray him as a miracle worker, as it does Moshe. The only place in the Bible to explain why Avraham is chosen is this verse. He is chosen because he will hand his way of life on to future generations.’

Source: Will We Have Jewish Grandchildren?, ch. 2.

Let’s discuss:

• How will Avraham ‘hand his way of life on to ‘future generations’?
• How do you think Avraham’s example of ‘doing what is right and just’ (לַעֲשׂוֹת‭ ‬צְדָקָה‭ ‬וּמִשְׁפָּט) can help people today?
• How can you follow Avraham’s example in your own life?