Parshat Chayei Sarah
Eliezer, Abraham's loyal servant, travels to Haran to find a wife for Issac. When he arrives in Abraham's former home, he stops to water the camels and prays to meet a kind and compassionate girl who could become Issac's wife. He meets Rebecca who sees Eliezer and his ten camels and immediately draws water from the well for Eliezer to drink and to give to his camels. We might not think that this is a hard job, but drawing and watering ten camels take time, patience and a good amount of raw strength. Eliezer has asked for a sign from God to indicate who would be a good wife for Isaac, and sees this as a good test of character. Rebecca is the winner hands down! This young woman is gracious, kind, generous, and hospitable to both people and animals. She is also hardworking and strong. Who wouldn't want this woman as a wife or daughter-in-law?
Eliezer gives Rebecca gold bracelets and rings which catch the eye of her brother, Laban, when she returns home. It is said that "first impressions" are the most important and that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Science suggests that we arrive at our first impressions in no more than two seconds - a blink of an eye!
Eliezer judges Rebecca by behavior; Eliezer has been taught to seek signs of character.
Lavan judges Eliezer by wealth. Lavan has been taught to search for and value material possessions.
Both are true. Rebecca is has excellent character and Eliezer represents Abraham, a wealthy person. It is what Eliezer and Lavan seek that determines what they see and guides their first impressions.
Eliezer gives Rebecca gold bracelets and rings which catch the eye of her brother, Laban, when she returns home. It is said that "first impressions" are the most important and that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Science suggests that we arrive at our first impressions in no more than two seconds - a blink of an eye!
Eliezer judges Rebecca by behavior; Eliezer has been taught to seek signs of character.
Lavan judges Eliezer by wealth. Lavan has been taught to search for and value material possessions.
Both are true. Rebecca is has excellent character and Eliezer represents Abraham, a wealthy person. It is what Eliezer and Lavan seek that determines what they see and guides their first impressions.
Talk with you family about where each of your first impressions come from. Does someone look for beauty? Does someone else look for character or signs of wealth? Are you formulating your opinions by values that you admire and want to own? Continue your discussion and make a list of the values you'd like to have in mind when meeting others for the first time so that they inform your first impressions.
Head to Matchmaker, Matchmaker or Goodbye, Sarah to learn more about this week's Torah portion.
Head to Matchmaker, Matchmaker or Goodbye, Sarah to learn more about this week's Torah portion.