Week V - Comfort

Again this week, our chapter in God’s To-Do List corresponds with the Torah portion that we will read this Shabbat. “Comfort” is what the beginning of our portion is all about! Abraham has just entered into the Covenant with God and is healing from his circumcision. Our commentators tell us that what happens next can be interpreted as a divine house call. We read:

The Eternal appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre; he (Abraham) was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot… (Genesis 18:1)

God was visiting the sick – Abraham – to offer him comfort in his time of pain!

But there is another type of comfort offered in our portion. The text continues:

…Looking up, he (Abraham) saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to greet them and, bowing to the ground, he said, “My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought; bathe your feet and recline under the tree. And let me fetch a morsel of bread that you may refresh yourselves… (Genesis 18:2-5)

Abraham exemplifies what it means to be hospitable; to offer hospitality to guests, to make them comfortable, no matter what else might be going on…even if it means ending a visit with God!

Using this text (which will be read Shabbat morning – come hear it!) Dr. Ron Wolfson tells us what it means to “comfort.” He teaches that when we visit someone who is sick, we bring God’s presence to those who need it most; that when we offer comfort, we are doing God’s work; and that when we welcome strangers (as Abraham did) we just may be welcoming God’s angels in the world.

God’s To-Do List Suggestions (Dr. Wolfson)

41. When your friends or relatives are sick, bring them soup, ginger ale, tea, tissues.

43. Let someone go in front of you in line; yield to someone trying to merge into traffic.

45. When you see someone who looks sad or unwell, ask whether there’s anything you can do to help.

46. Go to funerals; comfort the mourner at the wake or shiva with your presence.

49. Take new colleagues in your company out to lunch.

God’s To-Do List Suggestions (Rabbi Locketz)

1. Introduce yourself to someone that you don’t know when you come to services or other programs here at Temple.

2. When someone new moves into your neighborhood, greet them and welcome them to the community.

3. Donate your old jackets and coats to SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Ministries) by placing them in the bins in the hallway near the Temple gift shop so that someone who really needs them will feel warm and comfortable this winter.

4. When a friend or neighbor is going through a difficult time (caring for a sick parent, mourning a loss, etc.) offer to help with errands, childcare, bringing meals, or to do whatever would make the burden a bit easier.

God’s To-Do List Suggestions (Yours!)

What is on YOUR list this week?

1.

2.