The quality of Avrohom’s hospitality is legendary. There were no lengths that he would not go to, to provide for his guests. No matter that it was during the intense heat of a desert day or that he had only recently undergone serious surgery, the moment he caught a glimpse of impending visitors he rushed with all possible haste to bring them to his home. This kind of devotion may lead us to wonder why, after so enthusiastically pursuing these visitors he then only offered them “a little water to be taken”. Was Avrohom, the paragon of generosity, only willing to offer a small amount of water, but no more? How does this fit in with everything we know about the quintessential host, Avrohom Ovinu?
When Avrohom provided food for his guests he ensured that he would be the one to actually go and prepare these essentials. As we see in the following Pesukim it is he who personally procures the calf and lays it before them. Yet, Reb Yaakov Neiman zt’l explains, the water was actually brought by a messenger, not Avrohom himself, which now explains the seemingly sparing amount of water offered. When Avrohom was doing the work himself, there was nothing that he would not offer and no limit to his munificence. But when it would require someone other than him to exert themselves, the offer had to take this into account, and would be substantially less not to insist on unnecessary exertion from another.
A person should be constantly looking to improve oneself. Our goal in life is to always look to raise the bar of our observance and service to Hashem. This may mean taking on additional obligations and perhaps even seeing where stringencies may help us to attain greater spirituality. But when doing this it is imperative that we bear in mind the effect this may have on others, be it our friends, family or those around us. It is wonderful to be as devoted to a Torah life as one can be, but not when this encroaches on the rights, needs or happiness of another. What we take on board is our own business, but it is not for us to take anything on board for someone else and the choices we make can never be detrimental to another. Be as religious as you want to be, live a life to your maximum potential, but not to the disadvantage of another. Improvements of that nature are no improvement at all.
May we all enhance each other’s Shabbos.
L'ilui
Nishmas Leah bas Avrohom
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