Worry About Soul

Rabbi Twerski quoted his mother in connection with this week’s Parsha. She used to say that most people are concerned more with their own גוף, body, and other people’s נשמה, spirituality, than vice versa.

Avraham Avinu was different in that he put other people’s physical needs before his own, and put his spiritual needs first.

We see this in the way he practiced הכנסת אורחים, welcoming guests. He was in physical pain, recovering from his ברית מילה, but was distraught that it was too hot for guests to appear. His desire was not only to feed his guests, but it was also meant to teach them about the One G-d, and how they need to live spiritual lives.

There are stories told of some of the greatest sages, who felt terrible when they were oblivious to the cries of a baby, or a guest they didn’t notice.

They were well aware that they needed to come down to earth and focus on others and their spiritual needs. Once, the Vilna Gaon didn’t notice someone entering his Succah. He felt so bad about slighting the other gentleman, that he blessed him that he would live to 100, and so he did. He lived to 100.