Our Mission

He raised his eyes and saw three men standing nearby. He took note and ran toward them from the entrance to the tent, and prostrated himself on the ground. 

Genesis 18:2

We can be sure that during the course of his conversation with G-d, Abraham was profoundly engrossed in the Divine revelation that he was experiencing. After all, when we pray, we are enjoined to first clear our minds of any distracting thoughts. The fact that Abraham noticed these men and tended to their needs, despite the intensity of his concentration, shows his extraordinary sensitivity to others.

This sensitivity is the key to hospitality. When offering hospitality to guests, we must do much more than merely offer them a free meal. We must focus fully on them and be attentive to their needs, displaying sincere concern for their welfare and comfort, taking a genuine interest in their conversation, and in general, making them feel at home when they are with us and that we were enriched by their company when we escort them on their way. Abraham was the paradigm of such sensitivity to others: in the very midst of a conversation with G-d, he took notice of three travelers and excused himself from G-d’s presence to tend to their needs.

--Daily Wisdom Vol. 3