The Torah tells us of Abraham's incredible generosity in welcoming these strangers. But even more remarkable, says tradition, is what he did next: he went with them to see them on their way. Now, you might think, "Okay, nice gesture." But the Rabbis saw something deeper. They understood that while hospitality is a great virtue, escorting your departing guest is even greater. It's that final act of care, ensuring their safety and well-being as they continue their journey. Think about that for a moment...

So, where were these "guests" headed? Well, two of them were on a mission to Sodom. One to destroy it, and the other to save Lot, Abraham's nephew. The third, his task for Abraham fulfilled, ascended back to heaven.

Sodom... that name conjures up images of wickedness, doesn't it? And according to the legends, the reality was even worse than you might imagine. Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities were steeped in sin and utterly godless. Ginzberg, in Legends of the Jews, paints a truly disturbing picture of their depravity.

Imagine this: once a year, the inhabitants of these cities would gather in a vast valley with their families for a multi-day festival. But this wasn't a celebration of joy or community. Instead, it was a grotesque spectacle of the most revolting orgies.

But it wasn't just their private lives that were corrupt. Their business practices were equally appalling. Picture a foreign merchant, innocently passing through their territory. Suddenly, he'd find himself surrounded by a mob – men, women, children – all descending upon him, stripping him of every last possession. Each one would take only a small item, a "bagatelle," as they'd call it, a trifle. But collectively, they’d leave the traveler penniless.

And if the poor victim dared to protest? They'd shrug, feigning innocence. "What's the fuss? It's just a tiny thing!" they'd say, before driving him out of the city empty-handed. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, this wasn't just opportunistic theft; it was systemic, normalized cruelty.

It makes you wonder, doesn't it? How could an entire society become so utterly devoid of compassion? What happens when the basic principles of fairness and decency are completely eroded? It's a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness that exists within us, and the importance of actively choosing kindness and justice, even when those choices are difficult.