* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Social worker Gal Cohen articulates the following expressions of concern, inspired by this week’s Torah portion and by our own experience:
“You seem a bit distracted and preoccupied. Is everything okay?”
“You have a bar mitzvah this Shabbat. Would it help if I baked a cake for you?”
“You didn’t come to work yesterday. Is everything all right?”
Have you ever been asked a question similar to one of these? None of them has to be asked, but each warms the heart. Each is
an expression of initiative and thoughtfulness, reflecting the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes and recognize what they need, even when they don't explicitly say so.
This kind of social sensitivity is a “muscle” that we can always strengthen at every age and stage of life.
In this week’s Torah portion, Eliezer, who is searching for a bride for Yitzhak, arrives at a well and asks Rivka for a drink. He asks for water only for himself, but Rivka does not simply do what he asks; she sees beyond his request.
"And she said: 'I will draw water for your camels, too.'"
The word “too” is significant. Rivka hears what has not been asked. She looks around and understands that Eliezer’s camels are also there , thirsty as well, and she brings them water too.
Who wouldn't want a friend like that, a wife or husband like that, who does more that what is asked? We were fortunate to have a mother like that: our matriarch Rivka.
You are invited to take a moment sometime during the coming day and think about how you can emulate her example — to notice a little more and do a little more.
