The influence of our Avot and Eimahot

By Kayla Kupietzky-

    The coronavirus pandemic has halted normal life, but it has also brought an unexpected light, unity, and selflessness into our communities. This light and kindness was taught to us by our forefathers and foremothers years ago, whose values of hachnasat orchim and gemilut chasidim show us how to infuse selflessness into our lives despite trying times.

    In Sefer Bereshit, the Avot and Imahot are introduced in the Torah. Our first forefather, Avraham Aveinu, is the first person to demonstrate the Mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, or hospitality. For Avraham, his kindness didn’t depend on his mood or how he was feeling; he always made sure to be kind and welcoming. In Parshat Lech Lecha, Avraham had just had his Brit Milah; however, he made sure to continue welcoming guests into his tent despite the pain. Through his actions, Avraham taught Bnei Yisrael the importance of kindness and chesed. Today, due to safety precautions, we are unable to welcome people into our homes, but we can still visit those who may be lonely during this dark time whether it be outside socially distanced or a simple knock at a window. In addition to Avraham, Rivkah also demonstrates kindness through her actions. In Parshat Chayei Sarah, Rivkah meets Avraham’s servant at a well. When he saw Rivka, he asked for a sip of water. Rivka also offered to draw water for all of the servant’s camels, noticing that they too were probably thirsty from their trip. Rivkah’s kind and selfless actions make her a role model for Bnei Yisrael, teaching us the important value of gemilut chasadim. The coronavirus pandemic negatively impacted the lives of people across the globe, but it has also made communities come together to do what they can to help: hundreds of food and clothing drives are happening, and people have gained a mutual feeling of gratefulness for first responders. These positive reactions to the pandemic have shown the kindness in the world, a value that as Jews we learn from our ancestors. As Ida Crown students, we can look up to Avraham and Rivkah, learn from the chesed that they did, and apply that to our lives. As teenagers, we are the leaders of tomorrow, and though times may be difficult, it is important that we come together and help those in need. We can use innovative ways to apply the Mitzvot in the Torah and the lessons from our ancestors. We are lucky to have access to technology that can help us connect to those in need virtually as well as continuing to supply people with necessities during food and clothing drives. May we bring a spark of light into the lives of others just as Avraham and Rivkah did and practice kindness and selflessness no matter the occasion.