* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Revital, a mother of eight, would like to share the following message:
“In last week’s parasha, Yaakov refuses Esav’s offer to accompany him on his way, and excuses himself saying: *‘Let my lord (Esav) go ahead of his servant, while I travel slowly, at the pace of the cattle before me and at the pace of the children…’*
Yaakov doesn’t rush ahead with his brother Esav because he has a family to raise and he also has a different rhythm of life. He isn’t driven and rushes like his brother Esav but takes life at a slower pace because what he needs to accomplish takes time.
In the ancient world there were many occupations that required patience. Working the land demanded that one sow the seeds and then wait for nature to take its course. Many other jobs also required patience and the person who succeeded was the one who wasn’t rushed, but was able to wait.
In our high tech world today, an increasing number of jobs demand productivity and speed. Success is defined by how quickly and efficiently you accomplish your task. We get used to this mode of operation and then find it challenging to adjust our approach for those who need a slower and gentler pace, such as young children.
In a world where it’s difficult to wait five seconds to download a file, it’s not easy to wait five minutes for a little one who has trouble removing her shoes and socks by herself. But it’s as if the child is telling us without words: “Daddy, Mommy, you need to slow down.” In these moments, it’s helpful to remember the words of the verse: “I will travel at a slower pace” and to learn to develop patience. The Jewish people, like a young child, also develop over time.
Rashi defines the word “le’iti” (slowly) as “nachat.”This is the magical word that is important to repeat to ourselves from time to time: “benachat— calmly.”
