[The reason why the Possuk says וַיִּטַע אֶׁשֶׁל that Avrohom Ovinu planted an ‘Eishel’ as in a singular Eishel, is because the spiritual world of Atzilus is the world of unity as is explained in the Maamor]. And Be’er Sheva symbolises the supernal Sefirah of Malchus so the planting symbolises drawing-down the ten supernal Sefiros into the Supernal Sefirah of Malchus.
In addition to the basic understanding of the word ‘Eishel’ in the above-mentioned verse there are a further two explanations brought down in the Talmud (and brought down in RaShi) on this Possuk. One says that Eishel was an orchard which had many fruits (As is explained in the Maamor), and one says that Eishel was a guest house for lodging, in which there were all sorts of fruits. In Maamorim it is also explained that where ‘Eishel’ means ‘an orchard’ this refers to the previously discussed ‘Ten saplings’.
Talmudic Discussion
The Talmud (Sotah 10a) discusses Avrohom’s house: It is written: “And he planted an Eishel in Be’er sheva, and called there on the name of HaShem, the Eternal G-d” (Bereshis 21:33). Reish Lokish says: This teaches us that Avrohom made an orchard and planted in it all kinds of sweet things. The Tanna’im Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Necḥemya disagree as to the meaning of the word “Eishel.” One said that it means an orchard [Pardes], and one said that it means an inn [Pundak]. The Gemara continues: Granted, according to the one who said that it means an orchard, this is what is written: “And he planted,” and this is suitable language for an orchard. But according to the one who said that he opened an inn, what is the meaning of the phrase “and he planted”? The Gemara answers: As it is written: “And he shall plant [Vayitta] the tents of his palace between the seas and the beauteous holy mountain; and he shall come to his end, and none shall help him” (Doniel 11:45), indicating that the word vayitta, and he planted, is also used to indicate pitching tents. The verse there states: “And he planted an Eishel in Be’er Sheva, and called there [Vayyikra] on the name of HaShem, the Everlasting G-d” (Bereshis 21:33). Reish Lokish said: Do not read this word literally as “Vayyikra,” and he called, but rather as ‘Vayyakri’, and he caused others to call. This teaches that Avrohom our forefather caused the name of HaKodosh Boruch Hu, to be called out in the mouth of all passers-by. How so? After the guests of Avrohom ate and drank, they arose to bless him. He said to them: But did you eat from what is mine? Rather, you ate from the food of the G-d of the world. Therefore, you should thank and praise and bless the One Who spoke, and the world was created. In this way, Abraham caused everyone to call out to HaShem.
