Another possibility (also very relevant to the Kinus hashluchim that is currently taking place) is: During his shlichus, he was obligated to use his own faculties, his own understanding and feelings in bringing his task to fruition. Thus he had to feel himself as an independent entity, his own person. However, once the shlichus was completed, then he had to return to the perspective that, in actual fact, he had not done anything, he is not a person for himself – an independent entity – and no more than eved Avrohom.
Daughter of Besuel, he – then, too – reacted by bowing down to Hashem. But, there the Possuk states ויקוד האיש וישתחו לה'. Why did the first bowing, as well, not earn him the title of “eved”, just as the second one did (according to the above explanation)?
But, I think, there is a clear distinction between the two: In the first instance, Eliezer had just witnessed an amazing chain of events, an incredible hashgocho protis that was bordering on miraculous. One cannot help but be impressed by such an event, and it is only natural that such an experience would cause a reaction of awe and excitement. The bowing down on that occasion was understandable, even predictable.
However, and because of that, it was not an indication of Eliezer being the quintessential “eved”, who completely disregards his own feelings in favor of what is important to his master. This was a reaction that would be expected of anyone.
In contrast, in the second incident, there was nothing (openly) miraculous in matters reaching a favourable conclusion at that point. There was a discussion, a negotiation, and the final agreement could have been a result of the powers of persuasion of either party, as much as of any other cause. There was no visible miracle that could have been a source of awe.
Here, the only reason for Eliezer’s behavior was his joy in the results themselves (hence, Rashi saying over here that this was connected with giving thanks for good tidings). It was here, where his happiness was solely on account of his caring more about Avrohom than about himself, that he became recognizable as the true, loyal and dedicated slave, who put the interests of his master before his own. Indeed, in this case, it was the unmistakable “eved Avrohom”, who expressed this by bowing down to Hashem!
This Shabbos is chof hey Cheshvon. Besides being itself a very special Yomade pagra, the day of “Didan notzach” (the second time), - a day which the Rebbe recognized and in honor of which was magiha maamorim – it is also the beginning of many special days and yomim tovim that closely follow each other, and it brings us to the threshold of the entire month of geulah (which we bentch this Shabbos).
With the manner in which we celebrate all of these special days, we need to bear in mind the difference between the two bowings of Eliezer: We can be celebrating, farbrenging, rejoicing and being genuinely excited because we are impressed by the ness, - the miracle. We can focus on the extraordinary chain of events that took place, and be impressed by it.
Alternatively, we can focus on the true significance of the events, - the fact that the Rebbe’s wishes were realized and that the Rebbe’s mission (or steps of it) was successful. We can focus on the Rebbe’s goal being more important to us than our own. In that case, it is the result, the bottom line, that is the source of our rejoicing.
[The famous chosid, R’Eizik Homeller, would farbreng on Yudtes Kislev, and say: “Who benefitted from the geulah of Yudtes Kislev? Was it the Alter Rebbe in a personal sense? Not at all! The Alter Rebbe, personally was lacking nothing in prison. Even his halchik need, of having special garments in honor of Shabbos, was able to be fulfilled there adequately. Who then was the beneficiary? The Eibishter. 'לה הישועה, because this enabled the Eibishter’s goals in the world to be realized. In that case, let us truly celebrate!” And he would begin to dance ecstatically].
The difference between the two types of celebrating is clear: If indeed we care about what’s important to the Rebbe – to the Al-Mighty – more than we care about what’s important to us, then it is to be expected that that should be reflected (not only in the great shturem with which we celebrate these yomim tovim, but also) in our daily behavior!
Let us ensure that our commemorating these special days should be as an eved Avrohom, as loyal slaves of Avrohom, and they should inspire each of us to live our own lives as an eved Avrohom; - in which each of us puts aside our own desires and our own plans, and dedicates ourselves wholeheartedly to what is important to the Rebbe and what is important to the Eibishter, - completing the mission of making a dira lo yisborach batachtonim!
L’chaim! May we all take strength from the special day of Chof hey Cheshvon, of Didan Notzach, to overcome all of our obstacles and challenges and defeat them, and may the Eibishter – on this yom segulah and even before – bring about the complete and ultimate Didan Notzach with the immediate revelation of Moshiach Tzidkeinu TUMYM!!!
Rabbi Akiva Wagner
