When we state that it is a mitzvah to love people, this means that it makes no difference who the person is, whether Jew or alien...Thus Abraham our father, through love and devotion, extended his hospitality to guests, dressing them and feeding them. He endangered his life for the sake of the King of Sodom and begged God's mercy for Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses our master, too, was quick to come to the aid of alien shepherds and defended them from attackers. [Edah]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
[Submitted by Edah and The Center for Modern Torah Leadership]
Sara Schriner argues that Abraham endangered himself out of love for the evil King of Sodom when he was conquered. Are there limits to the obligations universal love can impose? Note that the straightforward reading of the Biblical text is that Abraham endangered himself for the sake of his nephew Lot, not for the King of Sodom.
Time Period: Modern (Spinoza through post-WWII)