The rabbis teach us that everything we need to know about hospitality – hachnasat orchim – we can learn directly from Avraham’s warm and welcoming actions in Parashat Vayera (Genesis 18).

Accordingly, the Library Minyan’s Hachnasat Orchim committee has created “Act like Avraham,” an action plan based directly on these verses that detail Avraham’s generosity. “Act like Avraham” will help us grow individually, strengthen our community, and practice values we learn from our ancestors.

The year has been divided into periods of about 2-3 months. Each period is connected to a different theme. Each theme directly derives from a verse in Parashat Vayera.

During that period, we ask you to try to host someone according to the theme. The periods are deliberately lengthy to allow everyone an opportunity to host. If you rarely host – this gives you a chance. If, in general, you host frequently, you might choose to undertake the program multiple times during the period.

As always, for more information, feedback, whatever, please e-mail Hachnasat Orchim Committee Chairs Abby and Val at shabbatandholidaydinners@yahoo .com

5) Ve'ekchah fat-lechem vesa'adu libechem achar ta'avoru ki-al-ken avartem al-avdechem. “I will get a morsel of bread for you to refresh yourselves. Then you can continue on your way. After all, you are passing by my house.”

Avraham noticed that the travelers were not eager to remain there and cause him the trouble of hosting them. He therefore remarked: "And I will fetch a morsel of bread, after that you will pass on." He implied that he would give them just a little something simple to eat to quiet their hunger before they moved on. In fact, however, he prepared a full meal in their honor, and did all he could to make them comfortable. This is the way the tzadikim (righteous) behave: they say little and do much – (omrim me'at vi'osim harbei).

This is your month to say little and do much. Rather than talk about all the invitations you don’t get – this is the month to make invitations. Don’t know where to start? Is there someone who has hosted you? Someone who gave a drash you enjoyed? Someone you’d like to get to know better? And don’t forget to “do.” Be part of a shiva minyan. Feed the homeless as part of Social Action. Give tzedakah.