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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize bikur cholim when Hashem (ה׳) could simply heal Avrohom after his bris milah? The unusual phrasing "Vayeira elav Hashem" (not "Vayeira Hashem el Avrohom") reveals that Avrohom's condition—not Hashem's agenda—drove the visit. Bikur cholim addresses the emotional devastation of illness (the feeling that Hashem has rejected you), while refuah only stops future pain. Making the patient feel valued is a higher ma'hu afata than medical care.
Rabbi Zweig opens with a fundamental question on Rashi (רש"י)'s citation of the Gemara (גמרא) that Hashem (ה׳) came to be mevaker choleh (visit the sick) after Avrohom's bris milah. Why does Rashi bring this Gemara to explain the pasuk, and more fundamentally, how did Chazal know Hashem came for bikur cholim rather than to provide refuah (healing) or to send the malachim to save Lot from Sedom? The key lies in the unusual syntax of the pasuk "Vayeira elav Hashem b'Elonei Mamre." Normally, the Torah (תורה) writes "Vayeira Hashem el Avrohom" (Hashem appeared to Avrohom), with the subject (Hashem) and verb (appeared) together, followed by the object (Avrohom). Here, the pronoun "elav" precedes "Hashem," suggesting the reason for the appearance is Avrohom himself, not Hashem's agenda. When it says "Vayeira Hashem," Hashem is making an appearance because He is Hashem—He has a message or plan. When it says "Vayeira elav," Avrohom's situation is what drives the meeting. The pronoun "elav" refers back to "Nimol Avrohom" in the previous pasuk, indicating Hashem appeared to the Avrohom who had just undergone milah and was in pain.
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Parshas Vayeira 18:1
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