TT #22 · Parashas Vayeira · Passuk 18:9
They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “Behold, in the tent.”
Torah Temimah points to Bava Metzia 87a. E-Daf · Sefaria — Bava Metzia 87a
TT lemma: ויאמרו אליו.
“And they said to him.” It was taught in the name of Rabbi Yosi: Why are there dots over the letters of “eilav”? The Torah is teaching proper conduct—that a person should inquire after his host’s household.
Derash on the verse (Bavli sugya) — not a formal named middah of the 13. The extraordinary dots are taken as a pedagogical marker of derech eretz.
A guest should inquire after the members of his host’s household; the dotted letters over “eilav” teach this rule of etiquette.