PARSHAT VAYERA

WHY DID THE ANGELS ASK FOR SARAH?

"And they said to him where is Sarah your wife, and he said, Behold in the tent" (Bereishit 18:9). Sforno explains that since G-d had already imparted to Avraham the good news of Sarah's forthcoming birth, the mission of the angels was largely to tell Sarah the good news. By making her feel happy and grateful, the fetus would develop better. We see here that the inherent connection between the emotions of the mother and her unborn child, which science is only beginning to understand, has long been revealed to our Sages. Be'er Mayim Chaim, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of the wife's participation in hachnasat orchim, (welcoming guests). The presence of the woman makes the guests feel welcome, when her gestures indicate that she is pleased with their visit. The angels asked for Sarah, because they were aware of her righteousness and were sure that she would want to participate in welcoming them. They were, therefore, surprised when she was nowhere to be seen.

BEHOLD IN THE TENT

Abraham answered that despite the importance of welcoming guests, "the honor of a king's daughter is within." (Tehillim 45:14) Sarah, therefore, out of modesty remained in the tent. According to Rashi the ministering angels' question was rhetorical, since they knew where Sarah was. They intended to call attention to her modesty and thus endear her to her husband. Rashi adds a second explanation: that the angels asked for Sarah in order to send her the wine-cup of blessing. Sarah had to partake of this cup, since it brings blessings down from above and permeates the household with holiness. Until this day, it is a mitzvah for the husband to ensure that the cup of blessing is sent to his wife.

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