Chayei Sarah: The Mark of Abraham
The Worthy Bride
Abraham instructed his servant to travel to the city of Haran to find a suitable match for his son, Isaac. Why did Abraham refuse to consider the local tribes, was there not a single righteous person in the entire country? Also, why did Abraham expect to find a pious girl amongst his family, did he not know their nature? Laban was a swindler, Betuel a heretic, etc.
The answer is woven into the pattern of the Parsha itself. When Eliezer arrived to Haran he met Rebbecca who immediately offered to provide him and his camels with water to drink. When she brought him to her home the entire family welcomed him, a perfect stranger, with loving warmth. Even her brother Laban, ran with exuberance to greet them.
As soon as Eliezer arrived the family prepared a lavish dinner in his honor, yet when he asked that they refrain from eating till he completed his presentation they agreed with nary a whisper of protest. He was a stranger but was treated like family, he was a guest but was treated like a celebrity. This kind of hospitality was the trademark of Abraham’s family.
Hospitality Over All
Beyond piety, honesty and chastity, all qualities with which Rebbecca was endowed, the quality uppermost in Abraham’s mind was Chessed, kindness and generosity. Is there not a lesson here for every one of us?
Tags: charity, Kindness
