Orach Chayim Way of Life - Jewish Life - Torah Insights - Current Events

Hachnasat Orchim - Hospitality

Avraham, by means of his hospitality and teachings, drew tens of thousands of people to Hashem's service. (Rambam)

A person must constantly ask himself, "When shall my deeds equal those of my forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov?" (Tanna D'bai Eliyahu)

The lives of our forefathers are portrayed in the Torah to make us aware of our responsibility in life. Wherever we live, it is our duty to strengthen Yiddishkeit by maintaining Yeshivot and Batai Yaakov and helping to establish new ones. (Midrash Says)

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Parashat Veyera | Vayera Pardes | Haftarah Vayera |

How can one comprehend the fact that a Jew in the most miserable of situations nevertheless affirms, "Gam zu l'tovah! (It is all for the best!)"

It is a character trait inherited from our forefather Avraham who was unshakable in his bitachon (belief - trust) in Hashem. Even when exposed to famine, Avraham did not complain but trusted in Divine Providence. Hence his descendants in all generations were able to bear without despair the intolerable living conditions of the ghetto and the tyranny of the gentiles among whom they lived.

- Nefesh Hachayim

FOUR ACTIONS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE A HEAVENLY DECREE

• Tzedakah - Giving Charity
• Tefillah - Prayer
• Teshuvah - Improving one's deeds
• Shinui Shem - Being renamed