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Rabbi Yehuda {Leonard} Blank MS, BC
Vice President of Professional Development and External Affairs
Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com
<>November 5, 2026, 25 Cheshvan 5787<>
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Avrohom Avinu showed how important it was to be sincere and honest even under challenging times such as purchasing Machpelah for his wife Chayei Sarah from Ephron the Hittite. He did not lose his cool, remained calm, focused and purchased the land legally. Avrohom was also the epitome of kindness. He was beloved by H Yisbarach and by those who he influenced throughout his travels as instructed by H.
From: Lilmud Ulelameid, From The Teachings Of Our Sages. The Jewish Education Program. By, Rabbi Mordechai Katz. JEP Publications JEP 425 East 9th Street Brooklyn, NY 11218, 212-941-2600. Phillip Feldheim, Inc. Feldheim Publishers Ltd. Parshas Veyeirah. Pages 25-30. “Chesed (Kindness) and Hachnosas Orchim (Hospitality). The one virtue which permeated Avrohom’s character and was actually part and parcel of his very makeup was Chesed, kindness and generosity to others. Chesed is one of the three pillars upon which the world was founded by H, for without it, men could not live together in a workable society. With it, one can do wonders.
The Chesed model was provided for by H. It is because of H’s kindness that we are supplied with food, sunshine, happiness, with life itself and all the good that comes along with it. Just stop for a minute and think about it. He did not help others because of any ulterior motive, such as wealth or greatness but because he knew that this was the will of H and the right thing to do.
The Medrash tells us that not only was Avrohom eager to fulfill the mitzva of Hachnosas Orchim, of greeting guests, but that in doing so he also sought to impress upon his visitors the kindness of H. After partaking of the meal, the visitors would thank Avrohom profusely for his hospitality. “Oh, don’t thank me,” Avrohom would reply. “It is H whom you must thank. H is the one who has given all this to you.” Then he would lead his guests in offering praises to H in acknowledgement of His favors. In this sense, Avrohom’s positive influence on others can be compared to the effect of a locomotive on the other cars in the train. Just as a locomotive has the power to pull other cars along its route, so too, Avrohom was able to persuade others to follow in his service to H. (Bereishis Rabbah 54:6)”
I remember when Rav Dovid Feinstein zt”l, insisted on paying the tax on a certain item at a store on the Lower East Side. The salesperson told Rav Dovid that the tax was included. Rav Dovid mentioned to that person, he would only purchase the item if the store paid the taxes. Rav Dovid was honest and sincere as well as being a role model of tremendous chesed, kindness, midos and incredible love of H. His mannerisms were so sweet, gentle, thoughtful and considerate of other people’s feeling. His belief and love for H influenced multitudes of others. These special attributes and his love of H as well as his vast Torah knowledge could be heard and felt in his heartfelt voice at his shiurim and beyond.
Though Avrohom Avinu lived and passed centuries ago, he will always be missed as are Yitzchok Avinu and Yaakov Avinu. We mention their names three times a day, Shacharis, Mincha, Maariv and also Musaf on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov. Rav Moshe and Rav Dovid’s passing is but a short time ago, but they too are tremendously missed. Yet their influence has had a tremendous impact on our lives and the lives of thousands who they inspired. They did not influence by words alone, by teaching us with that vast knowledge of Torah, but by their everyday actions and what they said from their hearts about loving H. Most of all, they were truly sincere in what they said, what they did and what they believed in without having any ulterior motive. One of my favorite sayings is “No strings attached except my tzitzis”.
We recently had elections throughout the United States and like with any other controversial issues, there will be many types of discussions that can lead to sinas chinan. Chaplains can often be drawn into such conversations by those who wish to hear their opinion. However, by approaching such situations with diplomacy can change the discussion into something positive. This can occur by anyone who might have a gripe about something or someone and is feeling alone and wants to talk to someone.
As we approach Shabbos, Parshas Chayei Sarah, we are reminded about Avrohom’s sincerity when he conducted business with Ephron. Chazal teach us that the actions of our forefathers (Avrohom, Yitzchok and Yaakov) are a sign to the children. Therefore, in these tumultuous times, it is important for us to walk in the ways of our fathers, by speaking and acting with sincerity and kindness. Our ultimate goal should be to make a Kiddush H.
May we continue to have a strong relationship with the Ribono she Olam who loves us and who we should love with all of our hearts and to follow in His ways.
Sincerely, Rabbi Yehuda Blank