Did Abraham's Angels Really Eat or Did They Just Pretend?

Pasha Vayeira

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Did Abraham's Angels Really Eat or Did They Just Pretend?: Pasha Vayeira

Did the angels who visited Abraham actually eat or just pretend to eat? Is one supposed to follow local custom or just make an appearance of doing so? The Midrash and the Talmud give two different answers. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 36 p.172)

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Topics:	כי תשא - א, Minhag, Hospitality, Abraham Visited by Angels, Vayeira

By Moishe New

Rabbi Moishe New heads the Montreal Torah Center. He is a sought out lecturer on Kabbalah and Chassidus, and their relevance in our lives today.

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11 Comments

Lydia Toronto August 5, 2023

In the Bible it says he knew who they were, because he felt Gods presence and God was amongst them, when the angels left for Sodom and Gomorrah only 2 arrived meaning God was one of the 3 entities. Reply

Marie Akl Lebanon February 28, 2023

Angels who visited the earth did eat food since they were allowed to be seen as humans Reply

Aaron December 6, 2020

According to the Quran, the guests received by Abraham and his wife, did not eat the food served. Reply

Jazz Ny February 10, 2020

Angels don't eat food because they aren't human and their only mission is to follow God orders. Reply

Anonymous November 6, 2014

Thank you Beautiful the way you put it! Beautiful the way chassidus explains this "argument".

It would be nice if you were to go more in depth. Though there is probably an 'allotted' time for the Shiur. It's still great though! Reply

Yitzchak Chaim November 4, 2014

Strangers in Strange Lands My question is how can I remain a faithful obedient Jew when following foreigners customs often violates Jewish Law?
If I were to go to Germany and was offered a Bratwurst overflowing with pig filling, to deny the food would violate Torah. Obviously, accepting the Bratwurst would be un-kosher. This is but one example of the innumerable cultures around the world that violate Jewish law in everyday life.
I keep kosher and keep Sabbath wherever I am but would appreciate a rabbi's opinion on how G-d's teachings on this matter should apply to modern day travel. Toda Chabad! Reply

S* Flores March 15, 2022

in response to Yitzchak Chaim:

I heard him say in the middle of the video that as long as the local custom you are accommodating Does Not conflict with halachic law then it’s to be done. Because you mentioned pork, and pork isn’t kosher of course, and because he hasn’t replied, I offer my opinion, please forgive me because you ask the opinion of the rabbi, yet I feel of course no, do not eat pork anywhere. Reply

Moishe New Hampstead March 16, 2022

in response to S* Flores:

You are, of course, correct. Reply

Anonymous NM October 16, 2013

Relationship What I get out of this is, the angels know their mission, and most certainly Hashem knows what He is doing, the question is, does Avraham know what he's doing or going to do....how will he handle the situation. Also, Avraham and Hashem's relationship is pretty solid even to the point that Avraham knows undoubtedly that Hashem's right with him to go and investigate...to be the one that takes charge of his camp. He wants to know if it is friend or foe that approaches. As with the former parsha, Hashem will provide for Himself the offering...Avraham is very confident with Hashem to just go and see what these visitors want and be hospitably. Hashem will provide the means in any situation. To me, it didn't break connection nor did it show disrespect toward Hashem. Reply

Saul Miami, FL October 16, 2013

In Genesis 19:3 it also says that the angels actually ate at Lot's house:

3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Reply

yoni October 15, 2013

At first it was mentioned that Avraham was "set up" because angels do not need food, drink or hospitatlity. Are angels able to feel "ashamed" so to speak? can they feel good or bad? It would seem to me that the question as to wether or not Avraham did the right thing by interrupting Hashems visit in order to greet the angels still remains. Reply

Commentaries on the Torah

This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.

Did Abraham's Angels Really Eat or Did They Just Pretend?: Pasha Vayeira

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