Vayeira: Of Angels and Men
From terrifying cherubim with fiery swords, to angels in the form of simple wayfarers sent to visit the sick or deliver good tidings—like those we read about in this week’s Torah portion—the Torah is full of examples of G‑d sending angels on all sorts of tasks.
The story is told of a student of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov who, after much preparation, felt himself deserving of a vision of the prophet-turned-angel, Elijah. His master instructed him to journey to a certain town and ask to be hosted at the home of a specific family. “Make sure to bring food,” the Baal Shem Tov added. The student eagerly packed a wagonful of food and set off. Upon arriving, he was directed to an old, dilapidated house, home of a poor widow with many young children.
The student spent Shabbat with them, and was only too happy to share his mountains of food. But Elijah never showed up.
The Baal Shem Tov instructed the dejected student to try again the next week. As he approached the door, he heard a child’s plaintive voice, “But what will we eat on Shabbat?” A reassuring voice replied, “Don’t worry. Just like Elijah came last week, he will come this week again!”
You and I can be angels as well. All we need to do is act the part.
Yehuda Shurpin,
Responder for the Ask the Rabbi team @ Chabad.org
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