Was It a Dream

Parshat וירא begins with the story of the angels dressed up as men. It is a fascinating story with many lessons. We learn of Avraham Avinu’s great desire to spread the knowledge of Hashem to all who passed by. We also learn the importance of the Mitzva of הכנסת אורחים, welcoming guests. Avraham was just recovering from his ברית מילה but was still saddened that the intense heat caused people to stay home, preventing him from welcoming guests. When the three angels dressed as men, finally did come, Avraham went all out to prepare a feast for total strangers. He had been speaking with Hashem, but interrupted his conversation to perform הכנסת אורחים. The Rabbis therefore say, that הכנסת אורחים is even greater than receiving the שכינה, Divine Presence. This wonderful story is debated by the Rambam and Ramban. The Rambam in מורה נבוכים wrote that all of this was Avraham’s dream but it never really happened. The Ramban disagreed and said that it really did take place. Whichever opinion you agree with, is not so significant. The lessons from the story are most significant.