When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, arrived at Haran to select a fitting wife for Yitzchak, he found Rivka at the well. Eliezer asked her for a little water to drink and she "quickly lowered her jug and gave him to drink. When she finished giving him to drink, she said, ’I will also draw water for your camels until they have finished drinking.’"
On the merit of this kindness, Eliezer chose Rivka to be Yitzchak’s wife. Yet, Eliezer traveled with an entourage of capable attendants. It was their duty to tend to the camels - and they were willing and ready to do so. Therefore, the kindness that Rivka performed was qualitatively small. She did not provide them with goods or services that they themselves were unable to easily attain and achieve.
If so, why was the ’insignificant’ kindness of Rivka the benchmark that made her fitting to be Yitzchak’s wife?
Eliezer was searching for a woman whose kindness was the very essence of her life. Rivka bestowed kindness upon Eliezer, even though it was unnecessary, because she delighted in kindness! The quality of delighting in kindness and the joy of benefiting and serving others is the true measure of righteousness.
If Rivka had not found within herself the goodness to perform this kindness for Eliezer, she would not have merited becoming the wife of Yitzchak, the spiritual and physical heir of Abraham. Not only did her kindness grant her the highest merit in this world, even more, she is one of the Matriarchs of Israel in the eternal World to Come. Moreover, the entire world, which HaShem created for Israel; the holy Temple; and World to Come all emerged on the merit of Rivka’s words ’I will also draw water for your camels.’
May we fill our hearts with the joy of performing kindness. In turn, we will delight in performing acts of kindness which will flow forth from us like a mighty river. Consequently, HaShem will bless us with countless merits in this world, and eternally in the World to Come. (Based on Ohr RaShaz of the Saba M’Kelm)
TODAY: Perform an act of kindness, no matter how small, and know that HaShem will bless you with countless and abundant merit.
Important Numbers
