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Genesis 18:7 - Avraham's swift, generous hospitality.

Genesis 18:7 - בראשית 18:7

Hebrew Text

וְאֶל־הַבָּקָר רָץ אַבְרָהָם וַיִּקַּח בֶּן־בָּקָר רַךְ וָטוֹב וַיִּתֵּן אֶל־הַנַּעַר וַיְמַהֵר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And Avraham ran to the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it to the young man; and he hurried to prepare it.

Transliteration

Ve'el-habakar ratz Avraham vayikach ben-bakar rach vatov vayiten el-hana'ar vayemaher la'asot oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶל־הַבָּקָ֖ר רָ֣ץ אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֶּן־בָּקָ֜ר רַ֤ךְ וָטוֹב֙ וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֶל־הַנַּ֔עַר וַיְמַהֵ֖ר לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת אֹתֽוֹ׃
וְאֶל־הַבָּקָ֖ר רָ֣ץ אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיִּקַּ֨ח בֶּן־בָּקָ֜ר רַ֤ךְ וָטוֹב֙ וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֶל־הַנַּ֔עַר וַיְמַהֵ֖ר לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת אֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Haste in Hospitality

The verse (Bereishit 18:7) describes Avraham Avinu's swift actions in preparing a meal for his guests. Rashi explains that Avraham "ran" to show his eagerness to perform the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality), despite being in pain from his recent circumcision (as mentioned in the previous chapter). This demonstrates the principle that righteous people are diligent in performing mitzvot, even when physically challenged.

The Selection of "Tender and Good" Calf

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:12) notes that Avraham specifically chose a ben bakar rach v'tov (a tender and good calf). The Kli Yakar explains that:

  • Rach (tender): Indicates a young animal, showing Avraham's desire to serve his guests the finest quality meat.
  • Tov (good): Suggests the animal was without blemish, suitable for offering, hinting that Avraham treated his guests with the same care as one would prepare a korban to Hashem.

Avraham's Delegation to Yishmael

The verse states that Avraham gave the calf to ha'na'ar (the young man), whom many commentators identify as Yishmael. The Ramban explains that this was:

  • A training opportunity for Yishmael in the mitzvah of hospitality.
  • An act of kindness by Avraham to involve his son in this sacred service, despite Yishmael's later spiritual shortcomings.

The Lesson in Speed of Service

The Sforno emphasizes that the phrase vayemaher la'asot oto (and he hurried to prepare it) teaches that when performing mitzvot, one should act with alacrity and not delay. This reflects the Talmudic principle (Pesachim 4a) of zerizin makdimin l'mitzvot - the zealous perform mitzvot promptly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 86b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Abraham's hospitality and the qualities of the calf he prepared for his guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham run to prepare the calf for his guests?
A: Avraham ran to serve his guests because hospitality (hachnasat orchim) is a fundamental mitzvah in Judaism. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:9) explains that Avraham's enthusiasm demonstrated his great love for kindness and his eagerness to fulfill G-d's commandments.
Q: What does 'a calf tender and good' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'tender and good' refers to a young, choice calf that would be most delicious for his guests. The Talmud (Chullin 16a) notes that Avraham selected three calves to offer his guests, symbolizing the three measures of fine flour he prepared (mentioned in the previous verse), showing his generosity.
Q: Who was the 'young man' that Avraham gave the calf to?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:12), the 'young man' was Avraham's son Yishmael. Avraham involved him in performing the mitzvah of hospitality to teach him the importance of kindness and serving others.
Q: Why is this story about Avraham's hospitality important in Judaism?
A: This story teaches the great value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), a mitzvah emphasized throughout Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) states that hospitality is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence, as Avraham interrupted his conversation with G-d to care for his guests. It sets an example for how we should treat others with kindness and urgency.
Q: How can we apply Avraham's example of hospitality today?
A: We learn from Avraham to be eager in performing acts of kindness, to give our best to guests (as he chose a 'tender and good' calf), and to involve our family in mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:1-2) teaches that hospitality includes accompanying guests when they leave, as Avraham did later in the same chapter (Genesis 18:16).