חיי שרה

While reading through the Parasha, I realized how Shaatra Rivka was and how much we can learn from her.

So Avraham sent his trustworthy servant Eliezer to go out and find a suitable wife for his son Isaac. 

When Eliezer  got to ארם נהרים with his camels, he made them kneel down outside near a well. He then asked ה׳ to arrange a favor for him. He wants the girls to come draw water while he was there so that he can pick one out for Isaac. He asked ה׳ to work it out as for the first woman he asks for water will be the one. He will know because she will tell him that she will also water his camels.  Eliezer went out of his way to only see the girls for their character. He wanted to see how the girls behaved away from their home atmospheres so that he would have a better perspective of their personalities. 

So as the story goes, while  Eliezer is still thinking about all of this, Rivka just pops out of nowhere with a jug on her shoulder. As she was filling it with water   Eliezer ran to her and asked for a sip. Rivka encouraged him to drink and then... Wait for it.... She told him she would also draw some water for his camels! Not only did she go the extra mile, but she also went the extra mile by running back and forth with the jug, watering the camels until they were done drinking. She ran eagerly when she performed an act of kindness- as Avraham did for his guests. (This is a sign that she's suitable to join his family) HaRav Feinstein explained that it was second nature to Rivka that another's needs should be provided for. Her kindness was so great. She didn't even have to think about it. It came naturally to her. Such good midot (midos here at Midmo 😐 ps don't even get me started with Ashkenaz pronunciations)   Imagine how astonished  Eliezer was!!!!

Rivka was equal to the test he put out infront of her. I read an Or HaChaim that Rivka acted in the most respectful, or exalted, manner. She lowered her jug herself to save Eliezer the effort, and ותשקהו , she actually brought the jug near his mouth so he wouldn't have to hold it. 

Eliezer was amazed that his prayer was answered so quickly and it really did surpass his expectations. 

Now,  Eliezer needs somewhere to sleep and of course Rivka tells him to stay by her. She has camel food yay.

Did he really say yes to a stranger? Yeah. He did. Even before asking her about her family's identity. Apparently he was so impressed with her that he wanted to go see what her house was like because he knew he'd enjoy it. 

And on and on the story goes and  Eliezer drops the bomb on Rivkas dad בתואל that he has a shidduch for her and ends up taking Rivka home for his master to marry off his son. 

So yeah. Rivka. Learn from her. And by the way this is just one encounter. Syked to read the next Parshiot in depth with a focus on Rivkas midot 

Shabbat shalom!

I'll be in חברון this weekend בעזרת-ה׳.... Sarah passed away at the very beginning of this Parasha in חברון- it's gonna be an experience so stay tuned 

😁