Our Most Precious Guests

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Vayeira

Ever notice how sometimes we treat strangers (and animals) better than our loved ones?

Lot is particularly good at it. He offers up his daughters to the Sodomite mob, rather than risk the well-being of his guests. (Bereshit 19:8)

Not the kind of behavior we'd expect from the man of the house.

The next time you catch yourself acting less than kindly to family members, try this trick: Pretend that they're guests. G-d's special guests. The ones that He has sent especially to you in this particular moment.