📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A
Rashi Q&A – Bereishit 18:1–14
Q: Why did God appear to Avraham in the plains of Mamre?
A: To visit the sick. It was the third day after Avraham’s circumcision, and Mamre had advised him about the circumcision, so God appeared in Mamre’s territory.
Q: Why is the word “ישב” written without a ו?
A: It indicates past tense (he sat), teaching that Avraham began sitting now. He wanted to stand, but God told him to remain seated as a precedent for judges who sit while God stands.
Q: Why was the day unusually hot?
A: God took the sun out of its sheath to prevent travelers from bothering Avraham, but when He saw Avraham was distressed, He sent angels disguised as men.
Q: Why were there three angels?
A: One to announce Sarah’s birth, one to heal Avraham, and one to destroy Sodom. Each angel performs only one mission.
Q: Why does the verse say “standing over him”?
A: It means “before him,” but uses “over him” to indicate the angels’ superiority.
Q: Why is “וירא” repeated?
A: The first means “he saw,” the second means “he understood” that they hesitated to approach him, so he ran toward them.
Q: What does “אדני” mean in verse 3?
A: Two explanations:
- Refers to the angels collectively as “lords.”
- Refers to God, asking Him to wait while Avraham brings in guests.
Q: Why did Avraham say “Let water be brought” in passive voice?
A: He intended to send a messenger. God later repaid his descendants by giving them water through a messenger (Moshe striking the rock).
Q: Why did Avraham ask them to wash their feet?
A: He thought they were Arabs who worshipped the dust of their feet and did not want idolatry in his home.
Q: What does “וְסַעֲדוּ לִבְּכֶם” teach?
A: Bread sustains the heart. The Torah, Prophets, and Writings all use bread as a metaphor for strengthening the heart.
Q: Why did Avraham hurry to Sarah and ask for flour?
A: To make bread quickly. He asked for fine flour for cakes and coarse flour for starch to absorb scum in the pot.
Q: Why did Avraham choose three calves?
A: To serve each guest a tongue with mustard.
Q: Who was “the youth” Avraham sent to prepare the meat?
A: Ishmael, to train him in mitzvot.
Q: Why did Avraham serve cream and milk first?
A: The bread was not served because Sarah had menstruated that day, making the dough ritually impure.
Q: Did the angels actually eat?
A: They appeared to eat to follow custom, teaching that one should not deviate from social norms.
Q: Why did the angels ask, “Where is Sarah?”
A: To highlight her modesty and endear her to Avraham. Also, to send her wine from the blessing cup.
Q: What does the dotted letters in “אליו” teach?
A: They also asked Sarah about Avraham, teaching that one should inquire about the welfare of hosts.
Q: What does “כעת חיה” mean?
A: “At this time next year.” It was Pesach, and Yitzchak would be born the following Pesach.
Q: Why did Sarah laugh?
A: She doubted she could bear a child, saying her body was withered and Avraham was old.
Q: How did God respond to Sarah’s laughter?
A: He asked Avraham why Sarah laughed, but changed her words for peace (she said Avraham was old).
Q: What does “היפלא” mean?
A: “Is anything hidden or impossible for God?” Nothing can obstruct His will.
