Presence: the biggest present.
A fierce battle was raging between an alliance of four mighty kings against an alliance of five kings. The armies of the four kings were so powerful that they defeated all five kingdoms! During the battle, Lot, Avraham's nephew, was taken captive.
When Avraham heard what had happened, he sprang into action, determined to rescue him despite the enormous danger involved. After all, he was going to war against armies that had just defeated five kingdoms, while he had only 318 men at his disposal! In fact, Chazal (Nedarim 32a) teach that according to one opinion, he was accompanied by just his servant Eliezer, whose name has a gematria of 318. What could have moved Avraham to risk his life against such overwhelming odds?
The Ramban (Bereishis 19:29) reveals something remarkable. Avraham felt deeply grateful to Lot for accompanying him on his journeys. Traveling alone through unfamiliar places can be lonely and unsettling. Yet Lot had accompanied Avraham wherever he went, providing him with the comfort and reassurance of having someone by his side. Avraham appreciated this kindness so deeply that he was willing to risk his own life to rescue him!
What makes this even more remarkable is that Lot himself had benefited tremendously from Avraham’s company. Chazal (Pesikta Rabbasi 3) teach that merely being in the presence of such a great tzadik brought Lot tremendous wealth. Yet this did not diminish Avraham’s gratitude toward him.
Moreover, Lot did not always follow Avraham’s righteous ways. His shepherds allowed their animals to graze in other people’s fields, and he chose to settle in Sedom, Avraham overshadow the kindness he had received. He remembered how Lot had accompanied him on his journeys, and his heartfelt appreciation moved him to go to extraordinary lengths to save him.
We find another example of this in the Gemara (Chullin 7a). Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair was once traveling to perform the great mitzvah of redeeming captives, accompanied by an Arab merchant. When they reached a river blocking their path, Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair commanded it to split, and miraculously, it did! He then asked the river to split for the Arab merchant as well him.
Rav Meir Hadash explains that the merchant was accompanying Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair for his own benefit, and Rebbi Pinchas did not actually need his assistance. Nevertheless, he appreciated the fact that the man had accompanied him and wanted him to benefit from the miracle as well. This is remarkable. The laws of nature were overturned, and a river split, all because Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair appreciated the simple kindness of another person’s company! (Leolam Odechah,
out of gratitude for accompanying
p. 405)
There is something deeply comforting about having others around us. Their presence gives us reassurance, companionship, and someone with whom to share our thoughts and feelings. Rav Yerucham Levovitz teaches that being part of society and enjoying the company of others is an essential human need (Da’as Chochmah U’Mussar 3:17) How fortunate we are to have people around us, people to confide in, people whose very presence enriches .
One morning, shortly after sunrise, the Chazon Ish was walking with a talmid in an orchard outside the city, after davening vasikin Suddenly, the sky darkened, and heavy rain began pouring down. Neither of them had an umbrella or raincoat, and they were far from anywhere they could take shelter. As the rain grew heavier, they stood helplessly by the roadside, hoping that someone might stop and offer them a ride. Thankfully, a kindhearted truck driver pulled over and invited them inside. As the talmid helped the Chazon Ish into the truck, the Chazon Ish noticed that there was only one sheltered seat beside the driver. He immediately insisted that his talmid sit there, while he himself would travel in the exposed cargo section, despite the pouring rain!
our lives in countless ways.
The talmid protested, but the Chazon Ish would not hear of it. He explained that he owed his talmid a debt of gratitude for accompanying him on his walk, and therefore wanted him to have the more comfortable seat.
Only when they were approaching the city did the talmid manage to persuade the Chazon Ish to switch places, explaining that it would be disrespectful for people to see the talmid sitting comfortably beside the driver while the Chazon Ish remained exposed to the rain. Before parting, the Chazon Ish gave both his talmid and the driver a heartfelt berachah, expressing his deep appreciation for their kindness. (Leolam Odechah, p. 346)
