(2007/5768)

Following the tragic episode of Sarah's death, Avraham set out to find a wife for Yitzchak.  He was getting old (Bereishit 24:1), and he now placed priority on this endeavor, which the Gemara (Kiddushin 29a) states is an obligation upon every father.  Avraham decided not to look among the women of Canaan, whom he believed were not fit for Yitzchak, but rather to send Eliezer to Charan to find Yitzchak a wife.

Eliezer devised a celebrated plan to identify which girl would be a fitting wife for Yitzchak.  He would walk with his camels to a well and ask a young lady, “Hati Na Chadeich VeEshteh,” “Please tip your jug so I can drink.”  The young woman, according to this plan, would respond, “Sheteih VeGam Gemalecha Ashkeh,” “Drink, and I will also give water to your camels” (24:14).  It is obvious from Eliezer's plan that he put emphasis on the girl's quality of Chesed, charity.  This seems to be the pivotal characteristic that would determine if a young lady was appropriate for Yitzchak.

Avraham's urgency in finding a wife for Yitzchak and the importance lent to her kindness and grace can teach us a lesson.  The most necessary ingredient in a successful marriage (or any social relationship) is Chesed.  Since Avraham would not be able to guide Yitzchak through the rest of his life, he had to ensure that Yitzchak and Rivkah together would find the Derech of Hashem.  Avraham had planted the seed of Torah in Yitzchak, and though he would not be able to see its growth, he was confident that his and Rivkah's Chesed would make the Torah flourish during their lifetimes and for all future generations.