In the parashah This week's Torah portion, Vayeira (and it was revealed), tells us about how Abraham received guests. In fact, the Talmud explains that Abraham had a whole operation in place to entertain his guests. His tent was open to the four directions, and he offered them, in the middle of the desert, fruits, meat, wine, and delicacies impossible to obtain under such conditions.
After the meal, the guests were preparing to thank Abraham when he told them that they should actually thank the One who spoke and created the world. In other words, Abraham was spreading monotheism while entertaining his guests.
This system lasted for many years. When Abraham turned ninety-nine, God (in the parashah past) gives him the Mitzvah of Brit Milah (circumcision).
Now then: our parashah It takes place on the third day of Abraham's Brit. He was sitting at the entrance of his tent, in broad daylight, under a blazing sun. Suddenly, three men appear, and Abraham runs to greet them, offering to wash their feet, rest under a tree, and give them something to eat.
Beyond continuing the story, a fundamental lesson for any community can already be gleaned here. It's very common for community leaders, of all types and levels, to work hard for a while and then decide they've "given enough to the community"—in time, money, or other resources—and retire to rest. In fact, given how Western society is organized, this sounds perfectly normal: people work five or six days and rest one, eleven months and rest one, and so on.
The Torah tells us, in opposition to this idea, that Abraham, at ninety-nine years old, in pain from his circumcision, overwhelmed by the heat, etc., rushed to continue receiving guests and spreading monotheism. Of course, there are Sabbath periods, but one should never be mistaken and think that one ceases to serve God: the focus simply changes. shape to serve God, during the week in one way and on Shabbat in another, but there is no "vacation" time.
The same applies to community work: there is never a moment when a leader can retire, step aside and stop “doing” for the community.
Who were you thinking of when you wrote this comment???
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, obviously!!
May Hashem grant you the merit to study His teachings extensively, with joy, greetings, and blessings!