Parashat Vayera (Hashem appeared)
Among the commentators of the Torah, there were many arguments. Each of them had their point of view and their interpretations were influenced by many different circumstances.
One of the most known discrepancies between Rambam (Maimonides) and Ramban (Nachmanides) takes place in this parasha.
"And he (Abraham) lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him."
Were they men or angels? Maimonides denies that Avraham could possibly have seen angels, since, according to the Rambam, angels, who are immaterial, cannot be seen. He states that the entire story was a prophetic vision of Abraham's, but not an actual event in the real world.
Nachmanides said, on the contrary, it is possible to see and talk with angels.
If we follow Rambam's opinion, we may offend Ramban, and vice versa!!!
So what do we do? Were they angels, or just people?
If we start treating people like angels... We may get the answer.
In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L
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