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Parashat VaYeira is one of the most surprising parts of the Torah. Picture this: Avraham is sitting outside his tent, not feeling great after his Brit, when suddenly these three people show up. Even though he had just been talking to G-d, he jumps up to take care of his guests. He doesn’t just say “Hi” – he goes all out, bringing food and making them comfortable.
The Chachamim say that this moment shows that being kind to others—showing real hospitality—is sometimes more important even than talking to G-d. That’s huge! It means Judaism is all about action: seeing people who need help and being the type of person who does something about it.
But there’s more. Later in the Parashah, Avraham hears that G-d plans to destroy Sedom due to their wickedness, and he tries convincing G-d not to destroy the city.. He stands up for what he thinks is right, even when it sounds impossible.
There’s an important lesson that we can learn from Avraham. Life’s not just about following rules or doing the bare minimum. Sometimes it’s about going out of your way to help friends (or strangers!), and sometimes it’s about speaking up—even pushing back—when you see something unfair or wrong.
Think about it: Are there moments where you might put down your phone, look up, and notice someone who could use a friend or a hand? Is there something happening at school or online that’s not okay, that maybe you could speak out about?
Avraham shows us you don’t have to be perfect or “old enough” to make a difference. You just have to care enough to act. That’s what makes a real hero.