The Encounter between the Elderly Lion Shem and the Young Lion Cub His Grandson Avraham
Furthermore, we can explain why Shem brought out bread and wine specifically when he met Avraham at this juncture. Let us refer to the Mishnah (Avos 5, 2): "עשרה דורות מנח ועד אברהם"—there were ten generations from Noach to Avraham. This means that nine generations separated Shem the son of Noach and Avraham. So, when these two holy men met, it was an encounter between a young lion, Avraham Avinu, and an old lion, Shem the son of Noach.
Now, tzaddikim recognize that nothing happens coincidentally. Hence, Shem understood that HKB”H arranged for this meeting between them, so that the young people would be inspired to serve Hashem like Avraham, and the elderly would be inspired by Shem. Therefore: “And Malkitzedek, King of Shaleim, brought out bread and wine”—symbolizing that it is vital to serve Hashem when one is young—like bread which is better when it is fresh—and it is vital to continue serving Hashem when one is old—like wine that continues to improve with age. The continuation of the passuk explains Shem’s motivation: It was because “he was a priest of G-d, the Most High.”
In this capacity, it was his solemn duty to teach people how to overcome the yetzer and serve Hashem.
This explains very nicely the practice on Shabbas kodesh to recite kiddush over wine and make a berachah over two loaves of bread. For, Shabbas is a day dedicated to Torah, and everyone agrees that the Torah was given on Shabbas. Furthermore, we are familiar with what the Tur (O.C. 290) brings down in the name of the Midrash: HKB”H said to the Torah, “I have a mate that I am pairing you with; its name is Shabbas; on it, they neglect their work and are free to occupy themselves with you.” Therefore, we intentionally make kiddush on wine and make a berachah on “lechem Mishneh” to emphasize the importance of serving Hashem through Torah- study and the performance of mitzvos both when we are young—symbolized by the bread—and when we are old—symbolized by the wine.
