“Running to Take Care of Others."
Three days after his circumcision,
when at the height of his post procedure pain,
Abraham runs to invite visitors into his tent.
"He ran towards them from the entrance of the tent,
and bowed to the ground.'
With great alacrity and fervor,
he runs to offer kindness to the passing travelers.
In the beginning of this week’s Torah portion,
we learn about the death of Sarah.
Abraham immediately secures a burial place for her.
Burying our dead is one of the kindnesses that according to our tradition,
is rewarded in this world and the next.
We too like Abraham run to bury our dead.
It must be done as quickly as possible.
Also, this week we read about Abraham sending his servant Eliezer
on a mission to find a wife for his son, Isaac.
Eliezer arrives at a well at evening time and
asks God to make his efforts successful.
As soon as he has finished praying Rebecca arrives at the well.
She runs to give Eliezer a drink and then,
"She hurried and emptied her jug into the trough,
and kept running to the well to draw water;
and she drew for all his camels."
Rebecca, like Abraham, exhibited an intense desire to
seize all available opportunities to care for others.
Rebecca not only gives Eliezer a drink as he requested,
but she also perceives the needs of his camels.
Without being asked she provides for them.
She had the ability to think beyond herself,
to anticipate a need and then fill it.
Kindness coupled with insight.
Our ancestors teach us by example to run to be kind and to give to others.
Their positive character traits live on in us.
May we often be presented with opportunities to act kindly.
May we run to fill the needs of others.
May we embody the good character traits of our ancestors and like them live meaningful and fulfilled lives.
Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem where opportunities for
giving and volunteering abound,
With much love, Elissa
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