Following his circumcision, Avraham is all of a sudden visited by three "men"(Gen. 18:2), who later in the text are revealed to be angels (Gen. 19:1). These angels come to tell Avraham that he and Sarah are finally going to have a son together. But their opening remark is puzzling: "They said to him,"Where is Sarah your wife?"(Gen. 18:6). Why do the angels need to know where Sarah is in order to fufill their mission?
Our sages point out to us that it is proper conduct for a guest to inquire as to the welfare of the host as well as the host's wife. At this critical juncture in the birth of the Jewish people, the Torah is teaching us about politeness? Yes, just like a soul cannot function alone in this world without a body, so also a spiritual lifestyle must be accompanied with a respect and endearment for those around them. Bringing down G-d's light to the wold also involves nourishing the emotional and personal needs of those with which one is involved.
It's evident that all of Avraham and Sarah's lives have led up to this moment. Their legacy and work can only be preserved in the way of a son like Yitzchak. If they can transfer their ideals to the next generation, it means that they have connected to the ultimate truth, which is eternal. This truth can only be fostered in an environment of warmth and caring, where every guest receives the attention they deserve, and the host and hostess are recognized and thanked for their efforts.
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