Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham ask his guests to wash their feet?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 18:4), Avraham asked his guests to wash their feet because they appeared to be Arab travelers who worshipped the dust of their feet (a form of idolatry). By washing, they would remove this impurity before entering his tent, which was dedicated to serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of offering water before food in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 86b) explains that Avraham followed the proper order of hospitality by first offering water to wash (showing basic comfort), then providing rest under the tree (shade and relaxation), and only afterward serving food. This teaches the importance of attending to guests' immediate needs before elaborate meals.
Q: Why does the verse say 'a little water' when Avraham was known for great hospitality?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:10) notes that Avraham said 'a little water' modestly, though he actually intended to give generously. This teaches that righteous people speak modestly even when they plan to do much more, as humility is a key Jewish value.
Q: What can we learn from Avraham's hospitality in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:2) derives from this verse that welcoming guests (hachnasat orchim) is greater than receiving the Divine Presence, as Avraham interrupted his conversation with Hashem to tend to guests. This teaches the supreme importance of kindness to others in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why did Avraham invite them to rest under the tree?
A: Rashi explains that the tree provided shade from the heat, showing Avraham's attentiveness to his guests' comfort. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) also suggests this tree was special - some say it was the same tree where he later hosted angels in the next chapter, showing consistency in his hospitality.
Context in Parashat Vayera
The verse (Bereshit 18:4) appears when Avraham Avinu welcomes three angelic visitors who appear as travelers. Avraham, despite recovering from his brit milah, demonstrates extraordinary hospitality (hakhnasat orchim), a central theme in this narrative.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 18:4) explains that Avraham asked his guests to wash their feet because he suspected they might be idol-worshippers who would dust their feet before their idols (a common practice in that era). Since Avraham abhorred idolatry, he wanted to ensure no trace of avodah zarah entered his tent. Alternatively, Rashi notes that the desert sand was exceptionally hot, and washing their feet would provide relief.
Rambam on Hospitality
Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:2) derives from this episode that welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence itself, as Avraham interrupted his communion with Hashem to attend to the travelers. The sequence of actions—offering water, washing feet, and providing rest—demonstrates the proper order of attending to a guest's needs.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of "Under the Tree"
The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 18:4) explains that inviting them to rest under the tree symbolizes the shade of faith and trust in Hashem. Just as a tree provides physical shade, Avraham sought to provide spiritual comfort to his guests through his teachings about monotheism.
Halachic Derivations
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 170:16) rules based on this verse that one should offer water to guests before any other refreshment, following Avraham's example. The washing of feet is understood metaphorically in halacha as attending to a guest's immediate physical needs before deeper hospitality.