Parshat Chayye Sarah by Rabbi Ed Gelb

"And Isaac went out walking in the field toward evening and, looking up, he saw camels approaching.  Raising her eyes, Rebekah saw Isaac.  She fell from the camel and said to the servant, "Who is that man walking in the field toward us?" And the servant said, "That is my master."

The story continues: "Isaac then brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he took Rebekah as his wife.  Isaac loved her, and thus found comfort after his mother's death."

This is one of my favorite stories in the Torah and on this week of my 15th wedding anniversary it is even more poignant.  The key line is the verb used “She fell from the camel…”  Rebekah literally fell off her camel in love with Isaac.  How beautiful.  Also, the Torah here is being realistic; people are attracted to each other because of their appearances.  There is nothing wrong with that.  However, the relationship deepens over time.  Isaac loves her because of her caring and nurturing nature.  He is comforted by her.  In the Torah, I believe this is the only time that love explicitly factors into a spousal relationship. 

The story of Bereishit is a family story.  The all-time greats of Judaism certainly had their triumphs and downfalls in their family lives.  However, having loving partners is a key advantage in navigating life’s challenges.  I always say that getting the biggest decision of my life right has made the rest so much easier. 

Shabbat Shalom


Categories: Director, Dvar Torah
Share: