Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the angels ask Abraham 'Where is Sarah your wife?'
A: According to Rashi, the angels asked about Sarah to show Abraham how modest and righteous she was. By emphasizing that she was in the tent, it highlights her tzniut (modesty) and her role as a matriarch who maintained the household with dignity.
Q: What does it mean that Sarah was 'in the tent'?
A: Being 'in the tent' symbolizes Sarah's modesty and dedication to her home. The Midrash teaches that her tent was blessed with miracles—the Shabbat candles burned longer, the dough was always blessed, and a divine cloud hovered over it, showing her spiritual greatness (Bereishit Rabbah 60:16).
Q: Why is Sarah's presence in the tent important in this story?
A: Sarah's presence in the tent reinforces her role as a righteous woman who embodied modesty (tzniut) and hospitality. The Talmud (Yevamot 77a) explains that her tent was a place of holiness, and her absence from the front conversation with the guests shows her humility, despite being a prophetess.
Q: How does Sarah's example apply to Jewish life today?
A: Sarah serves as a model for Jewish women in modesty, devotion to family, and creating a holy home. Just as her tent was a place of blessing, Jewish homes today strive to be centers of Torah values, kindness, and divine presence, following her example (Rambam, Hilchot Ishut 13:3).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 18:9) occurs during the visit of the three angels to Avraham after his circumcision. The angels, appearing as travelers, inquire about Sarah's whereabouts, to which Avraham responds that she is in the tent.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that the angels asked about Sarah to demonstrate Avraham's great modesty and Sarah's modesty as well. By emphasizing that Sarah was in the tent, the Torah highlights her tznius (modesty), a defining trait of the matriarchs. Rashi also notes that the angels knew where Sarah was but asked to endear her to Avraham by drawing attention to her virtuous behavior.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) discusses the nature of prophetic visions and explains that Avraham perceived the angels in a prophetic state. Their inquiry about Sarah was part of the divine message, reinforcing that prophecy often comes through human-like dialogue to make it comprehensible.
Symbolism of the Tent
The tent represents Sarah’s domain of holiness and influence. The Kli Yakar notes that Sarah’s tent was a place of spiritual greatness, where her kindness (parallel to Avraham’s hospitality) and divine blessings were manifest. Later, Rivka’s entry into Sarah’s tent (Bereshit 24:67) confirmed her suitability as Yitzchak’s wife, as the same divine presence returned.
Halachic Implication
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 152) connects this episode to the mitzvah of emulating the ways of Hashem—just as the angels showed concern for Sarah, we too must show kindness and consideration for others, particularly in inquiring about their welfare with sincerity.