How do we treat the strangers among us?
One of the stories we read parshat lech lecha is that of Abraham (named Abram at this point) as an old man, who is childless. His wife, Sarah (Sarai at this time) suggests Abraham have a child with her handmaid, named Hagar. All we are told about Hagar is that she is Egyptian. But her name offers another clue. Hagar comes from the Hebrew word Ger, which is commonly translated as “stranger” but more accurately is translated as “resident-alien” or “immigrant.” After Hagar becomes pregnant with Ishmael, Sarah treats her poorly and she runs away to the wilderness. There God finds her, comforts her, promises her children will be numerous and invites her back to the camp with Abraham and Sarah.
Hagar is literally the Other living in the midst of society. Who are the others among us today and what can we do to emulate God and treat them with kindness and care?