* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
I noticed something this year for the first time: all of our matriarchs grew up in a toxic environment, but chose a different direction for themselves.
Avraham and Sarah— the first Jewish couple—searched for God, heeded the command of “Lech lecha” (to follow a new path), and dedicated their lives to spreading faith in God, loving-kindness, and light in the world. In this week’s parasha, Yitzchak married Rivka, whom our Sages refer to as “a rose among the thorns,” in other words, something beautiful that emerges from the filth. Rivka grew up in an atmosphere of idol worship and corruption, yet was able to maintain her noble character.
And the next generation of mothers were Rachel and Leah. They, too, were beautiful roses—righteous sisters— who grew up among evil people.
This is a tremendous lesson for each and every one of us: your life circumstances are important, your formative years are critical, and the education you receive is essential, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you come from—what matters is the path you choose for yourself. Each one of us has the potential of becoming as great as our mothers—Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah. The Torah doesn’t tell us that they had “yichus”(an illustrious pedigree), but instead emphasizes their growth and development.
These are our mothers. May we merit to follow in their footsteps.
