* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
I heard the following idea from Rabbanit Deena Volmark:
Every relationship can be enhanced, she says, and we can learn this from Parashat Vayera.
In this parasha, we read about Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu. When three guests arrive at their tent, they ask Avraham: “Where is your wife, Sarah?”
Our commentator ask: Why is this important? Why does the Torah tell us that the guests asked Avraham about Sarah’s whereabouts?
Rashi offers a profound explanation. He says: “in order to endear her to her husband.” When the guests mentioned our mother, Sarah, they also highlighted her positive qualities - her modesty, prayers, and dedication to welcoming guests into her home - and thus increased her husband’s appreciation of her.
Avraham is 97 years old at this point. He has been married to Sarah for about 70 years. They are both very elderly, righteous people. But it turns out that it’s never too late to perform the mitzvah of “bringing joy to the bride and groom״ and endearing one to the other.
Relationships have no limits. One can always draw someone closer to another with more kind words and compliments. In other words, we can cause people to recognize the light in their lives.
Our connections and relationships with others are limitless.
May each of us merit to bring people closer to each other with the most appropriate words.
