Parshat Vayera: Bnei Noach and the Way of Kindness
In this week's Torah portion (Parshat Vayeira), we find several foundational lessons regarding the necessity of treating others with loving-kindness and compassion. The Divine revelation to Abraham on the third day after his circumcision shows the vital importance of visiting the sick. Furthermore, the fact that Abraham paused his direct conversation with G-d to welcome passing travelers gives us a spiritual principle: "Welcoming guests is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence."
G-d appeared to Abraham while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the hottest part of the day, waiting for guests to come (Genesis 18:1). This shows that G-d came to him because Abraham was so eager to practice hospitality. He sat outside in the extreme heat on purpose, looking for tired travelers so he could help them. This lesson is especially meaningful for Noahides. Abraham is the father of belief in one G-d and the person who first shared the knowledge of G-d with all people.
Regarding Abraham it is said:"For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of G-d, to do righteousness and justice." (Genesis 18:19) This verse serves as an explicit Divine foundation showing that "the way of G-d" inherently includes practicing kindness, charity, and justice for all people. This is not one of the Seven Noahide Commandments; however, Bnei Noach are commanded in some logical duties that maintain society, including charity and kindness. Sodom being punished and destroyed precisely for withholding kindness from the poor.
The existence of the world at every moment is not something to be taken for granted; rather, it is the result of Divine grace and charity that brings creation into being anew, out of nothing. If this vitality were to cease even for a brief moment, all of reality would instantly revert to absolute nothingness. Consequently, a person’s act of charity toward another is not merely a human gesture, but a direct emulation of the Creator’s ways.
Just as this principle applies to physical hospitality and charity—providing food, shelter, and financial assistance—it applies with even greater force to spiritual kindness. Bringing people closer to the belief in One G-d, sharing the Seven Noahide Laws, and strengthening moral justice in society. This means adopting the attribute of kindness, out of an understanding that this is how G-d conducts His world. By drawing others closer to G-d by observing the Seven Noahide laws, they merit that G-d draws them closer to Him.
Sources and References
"For I Have Known Him": Genesis 18:19.
The Revelation at the Tent Entrance: Genesis 18:1–2.
The Greatness of Hospitality: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat 127a.
Core Discourse: Sefer HaSichot 5749, vol. 1, pp. 48 ff.
Ezekiel 16:49: Condemns Sodom's pride, abundance, and failure to support the poor and needy.
Tanya, Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah, chapters 1–2: A core Chassidic concept that Divine vitality continuously sustains the existence of the world.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Questions and Answers for Noahides: Q&A about the Seven Noahide Laws