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My colleague Rabbi Elyse Goldstein shares these words as a contribution to our Torah portion – Chaye Sarah – this week:

(Following the binding of Isaac) Abraham comes down from the mountain and

becomes a man of the heart, a man who cares for his family and lives out his life

on the human plane.  Abraham learns that God is not enthroned in the heavens

alone, but dwells wherever human beings let God into their life.  With Sarah’s death,

Abraham is given a new, more humble, ultimately more real vision of life.

One of the elements of that real vision of life involves Abraham stepping out of the main part of the story, but not before he assures Isaac’s future as best he can.  And given the pain of Ishmael and his mother Hagar’s exile from their home one portion ago, he is determined to do the right thing this time.

He sends his head servant Eliezer back to his birthplace to find a wife for Isaac.  And Eliezer, sharing Abraham’s determination, stands in an uncertain twilight once he arrives.  He articulates his hope to God; that his mission will be successful and that the one who offers him and his many camels water to drink will be the means by which she is recognized as the one for Isaac

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Rebecca and the other women of the town came down to the well to draw their water!

Now, did you know that a single camel can drink over 30 gallons of water in less than 15 minutes?!  This was no “you look thirsty, let me grab you a cup…” this was a multi-gallon deal!

Eliezer couldn’t believe it.  “This is her,” he thought to himself wonderingly.  “Someone with this kind of strength, this much kindness.”  This is the one to step into our story, and to give it new life.

Learning from Rebecca’s actions is one thing.  Emulating them when we are feeling stressed and overwhelmed is another.  Sometimes we want to keep our water for ourselves, meting out our resources as though once shared they cannot be replenished.  The more vulnerable we feel, the more apt we are to snap at our loved ones or wonder if we’re taking care of our children the way they need caring for.

Rebecca’s choices teach us that our own matter.  Even if we’re just one person, we can do our part.  We can become a part of something bigger than ourselves.  We can be the candle in the darkness, the light left on in the hall, the joy in the midst of sorrow. We can bear the water and the disappointments.  It’s not going to be easy.  And so, this Shabbat of Chaye Sarah, we remake the choice to stick together and be strong.

Looking forward to seeing you at Shabbat services tonight at 7:00pm, and Saturday morning at 10:00am.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Gutterman