The Eishel Approach
In an era when so many efforts are being made in Eretz Yisrael and throughout the world to bring Jews back to their religious roots, it is heartening and enlightening to read in this week's Torah portion about the efforts of the pioneer of outreach, our forefather Avraham.
"He planted an eishel in Beersheba," the Torah tells us about Avraham, "and called out in the Name of G-d.." (Bereishet 21:33)
Whether this eishel was a well-stocked place of lodging for wayfarers or an orchard to supply them with fruit, the purpose was the same — to influence people to recognize and serve the Creator. When his guests began thanking him for his hospitality he told them to direct their thanks and blessing to the Creator who was the true source of everything they received.
There are many good people in Israel following in the footsteps of Avraham. They may not have the opportunity of the eishel-style outreach of their forefather but they also achieve their goal by showing estranged Jews that they sincerely care for them. More and more Jews are thus beginning to "call out in the Name of G-d" and guaranteeing the security of Israel forever.
