By Rabbi Dovid Sapirman, Dean, Ani Maamin Foundation
Not only was Avraham Avinu the epitome of chesed, he actually introduced the concept of kindness to the world. At a time when belief in Hashem had been totally forgotten, the very idea was foreign. The people of Sodom, a flourishing and wealthy kingdom, were the antithesis of kindness. Not only would they refrain from sharing their wealth with others, they considered it a capital crime to extend charity to the poor.
Once Avraham had arrived at full belief in Hashem, he realized that Hashem wants us to emulate Him. He saw that the world is full of kindness, with each creature given all the tools and instincts it needs for survival. Breathable air is everywhere; water, which is less critical and less abundant than air, is also sufficient. Food is less plentiful, but it is enough. Food could have been tasteless and gray, but Hashem created delicious, beautiful fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and eggs. Hashem’s care for His creations goes above and beyond. Avraham’s devotion to Hashem brought him to a level of hachnassas orchim unequalled in history.
Avraham saw more than merely offering food and drink to those in need. He realized that this world is temporary, a corridor to the afterlife in Olam Haba. When the body dies, only the neshama remains to enjoy the next world. So Avaham set himself the task of teaching people to connect with Hashem, thereby meriting a share in Olam Haba.
The Rambam tells us that part of the mitzvah to love Hashem is bringing people closer to Him. When you loves someone, you want to see everyone respect and love them, too. And the one who loves Hashem must do the same. For Avraham, this was no easy task. Chazal tell us that the whole world was on one side, and Avraham was all alone on the other. Together with Sara, he brought tens of thousands under the wings of the Shechinah. That is why Hashem called him “Avraham who loves Me."
