One hundred years and twenty years and seven years, were the years of Sara's life (Gen. 23:1)
The commentator Rashi explains, "the years of Sara's life - they were all equally good." But a question begs to be asked: Weren't the majority of Sara's years filled with hardships, longing for children, living in exile, imprisoned at the hands of Pharoah and Avimelech? How can we say that all of her years were equally good?
During her entire life, concerning everything that was seemingly bad, Sara said, "this too is for the best." She saw G-d's kindness in everything.
(Rabbi Zusia of Anipoli)
And G-d blessed Avraham in everything (Gen. 24:1)
There are some tzadikim (totally righteous) whose main concern is with themselves, that their own relationship with G-d will be perfect. But this is not the case with true tzadikim.
As we see with Avraham, our father, who was blessed with the trait of "everything." His concern was not only with himself, but for everything and everyone.
(Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
Let it be that the maiden to whom I will say: "Lower your pitcher that I may drink." And she will say, "Drink, and I will give your camels to drink, also." (Gen. 24:14)
When looking for a wife for Yitzchak, why did Eliezer examine Rivkah in this area specifically? There is a significant difference between holiness and impurity: the objective of holiness is to give, to enliven others, to influence. Impurity, on the other hand, takes, receives.
Rivkah wasn't satisfied just to give Eliezer water but watered his camels, too. From this act Eliezer saw an indication and proof that Rivkah was connected with the "side" of holiness and fitting to bond with the descendants of Avraham.
(the Alter Rebbe)
From our Sages reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC
