Between Indecision and Instantaneous Faith in an Unknown Fate
Indecision
is one of the many plagues of this generation, especially among young women.
There are so many choices out there, and so many distractions that it is often
hard to tune into what we really want – what the right thing is – what Hashem
wants from us. All our hesitations waste precious time and energy that could
have been applied in holy action. This week’s parasha can inspire us to learn
decisiveness as we are introduced to a girl who knows exactly what she wants
from a very young age. Imagine Rivkah a young girl of either three (Rashi,
Bereishit 25:20), or fourteen (Da’at Zekenim Ba’alei Tosfot Bereishit
25:20), leaving her family, home and birthplace behind without the slightest
hesitation. She had just met Avraham’s servant for the very first time. The
next morning, when he must depart urgently, she agrees to follow him to an
unknown fate, in order to marry a man she has never met. With a decisive smile
she answers, “I’ll go” (Bereishit 24:58). To where? To what? To whom?
What gave this young child the ability to pick herself up and leave her
parents, just like that out of the blue without any time to even pack her bag?
The poem below, written as a dialogue between Rivkah and her family, is an
attempt to answer this question. I also composed a melody for the poem which
you can listen to here (women only).
Walking in Rivkah’s Footprints
I
admire many of my students who are walking in Rivkah’s footsteps leaving
everything and everyone behind in order to start a complete new life in the
Holy Land. We can count among our students those who left not only their
parents but also their children and sometimes grandchildren behind to follow
the light. It must be just as hard for a mature woman to say goodbye as it is
for a young child. When you have built a life for yourself, succeeded in your
career and developed close relationships over the years much faith is needed to
heed your calling and actualize your Jewishness fully by living as a Jew in the
Promised Land. Women with this kind of spiritual strength truly continue to set
Rivkah’s example, paving the way for others to follow suit.
Blessings of Farewell
“Our
sister you will always be,
even
if you were never really one of us.
We
will miss you and feel the greatest loss,
when
the mountain separates between us.”
“I
have waited all my life for this moment
when
I finally can say my goodbyes.
I am
fed up with all your greediness,
with
your trickery and with all your lies.”
“Our
sister please don’t be so cold,
as
the mountain separates between us.
It
is your time now – we are growing old.
We
will miss the kindness of your way.”
“I
have waited all my life for this moment
when
I will rise with the sun.
I am
going to marry a very holy man,
to a
home where Hashem will be one.”
“Our
sister please remember us
as
you take off to meet your soulmate.
May
your merit bring us good luck too,
as
you rise and grow to become great.”
“I
will miss my mother’s sweet caress.
When
you wipe away my tear,
I
may be alone in this unknown world,
but,
still, I really have no fear.”
“Our
sister, take your nurse with you
as
your faithful comfort and escort.
When
you will long for a well-known face,
Devorah
will be your true support.”
“I
will take Devorah and be on my way.
Please
take care of the camels and the sheep.
Bring
the pitchers to the well every day.
Remember
to water all the trees.”
“Our sister blessings of farewell.
May your heartfelt prayers become true!
May Avraham’s blessing be fulfilled in you
and myriads of children come from you!”
“Our sister you will forever be,
even if you were never really one of us.
We will miss you and feel the greatest loss,
when the mountain separates between us.”
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