Description
This print of Vayerah, “He appeared,” takes it name from the first verse of Genesis 18: “And the LORD appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day.” (Genesis 18:1)
Abraham has been sitting at the door of his tent as the sun blares over the desert. He spots three wayfarers in the distance. Without wasting a moment, he runs out to greet the strangers.
“My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought; bathe your feet and recline under the tree. And let me fetch a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves; then go on—seeing that you have come your servant’s way.” (vv. 3-5)
This is Abraham’s famous passion for hakhnasat orhim, for showing hospitality to strangers.