Shabbat Parashat Vayeira - 5785

Shabbat Parashat Vayeira - 5785

Rabbi Hal Miller

  He planted an eshel in Beer Sheva and there he proclaimed the Name of

  Hashem, God of the universe. [Bereishit 21:33]

What is an eshel, and why did Avraham plant one in Beer Sheva? The word

eshel appears here and in Shmuel I [22:6], "Shaul sat on a hill under an eshel

in the heights", thus it would appear to be a tree. However, Rashi also points out

that in Daniel [11:45] it says, "and he will plant the tents of his palace". The

Gemora in Sotah [10a-b] relates a debate between Rebbi Yehudah and Rebbi

Nechemiah that the eshel is either an inn where people can lodge, or an orchard

of fruit trees with spreading branches. They learn this out from the letters of the

word eshel, which they expound for achilah, shtiya, linah, meaning eat, drink and

lodge overnight. Rav Hirsch explains that this is to teach about the hospitality of

Avraham.

Onkelos reads the verse that Avraham set up a monument to avoid people praying

to a tree. He describes it as a tamarisk, a tall shady tree. Rashbam describes the

eshel as a garden or orchard where Avraham would pray. Radak understands it to

be a property ownership marker, consisting of fruit-bearing trees, although in Tractate

Beitzah, Chazal say it is tall trees that are difficult to uproot.

Abarbanel brings Ralbag who defines eshel as a large tree shading a well, where

travelers could gather for refreshment, and where Avraham would both serve them

and teach them about God.

Rav Soloveitchik asks "why does the Torah describe Avraham planting a tree?" We

know the Torah would not bother with what seems to be mundane things unless there

is some specific lesson for us in it. He explains that "Avraham taught the world that

through the tree, one could perceive the Master of the universe. God controls the

flowering and the growth of the tree, the falling and withering of its leaves in autumn,

the budding and growth of more leaves in the spring."

We see renewal in the plant world each spring. If we look closely, we see the hand of

God everywhere, not just in flowers. Avraham our father taught us to look at all of

Creation and to recognize our Creator.