Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max Miller

We expect common courtesy as we go about our day: holding the door for someone, greeting a colleague with a hello, or asking about someone’s day. These little acts of kindness are important, but we would be hard-pressed to suggest that someone goes above and beyond by doing any of the three.

In contrast, our Torah portion this week describes uncommon kindness—someone who goes out of their way to help a lone stranger. Our matriarch, Rebecca, spots a traveler sitting alone by the edge of a well with his camels. Rather than ignore or dismiss him, Rebecca approaches and offers to lend a hand. Little did she know, the stranger, a servant of Abraham, was tasked with finding a woman precisely like Rebecca to be a bride for Isaac, Abraham’s son.

Spoiler alert: Rebecca marries Isaac. However, in addition to Rebecca’s uncommon kindness, the story of Isaac and Rebecca is unique among all the Torah. We learn that Isaac loved Rebecca. Up until then, none of the husbands nor wives expressed love for their spouse. The relationship between Isaac and Rebecca, while not without its challenges, was one of love. A rare feat in our ancient literature.

Today, in our divided and polarized era, showing love for our friends and family is as important as ever. In the weeks and months ahead, may we offer those acts of uncommon kindness to one another; may we treat strangers and close acquaintances with a generous spirit; and may we elevate what unites us more than what could divide us.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Max