Understanding the Parsha according to the teachings of the Rebbe

QUESTION: We know that HaShem does miracles (changing of the natural order) only for a purpose. Why did HaShem change the natural order for Eliezer to go to Lavan in one day? ANSWER: Rivkah was similar to a “rose among the thorns.” Upon turning three, she attained a maturity (not only to make her own decisions but also) that allowed her to be influenced by the negative environment.

Thus, her redemption could not wait. HaShem wished to emphasis the extreme urgency by use of this miracle of “fast-forwarding”. Similarly, if needed, HaShem can execute the final Redemption using a “fastforward” miracle and we need not despair due to current obstacles.

QUESTION: Why did Avrohom mean by giving full – מלא - value for the land of the cave of Machpelah? ANSWER: Full value goes on the value of the land (and not on the type of money). Avrohom understand that the land needed to be acquired with payment. The Zohar tells us that one should pay full price for a mitzvah.

To accomplish our tasks in this world one needs to pay in full, by service and by effort.

(לקוטי שיחות כרך י, עמ' 60 )

QUESTION: Three asked of HaShem and were answered immediately: Eliezer, Moshe & Shlomo. What is the lesson from these three? ANSWER: These three were answered quickly due to closeness and unity with G-d through prayer. We are taught the three prayers express the G-d’s revelation in the world.

Specifically, in the Bais HaMikdash where G-dliness is revealed until the place itself is nullified (location of the Holy Ark)

Specifically, in his prophecy that it is true and only exists in a person

Specifically, in the marriage of Yitzchak that established the basis for Klal Yisrael’s observance of Torah and the Mitzvos

בעולם באדם בתורה

שלמה משה אליעזר

QUESTION: The verse could have said that Yitzchak took Rivkah to be his wife. Why did the verse need to add that he brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother האהלה שרה אמו?

Rashi indicates the Rivkah restored the three miracles that had occurred for Sarah. And the three extra words indicate these three blessings for all Jewish women.

3 in Rashi; 1 in Torah

ANSWER:

rd

st

טהרת המשפחה

Blessing not directly connected to one’s activities

Cloud joined to the tent

Dough that she uniquely prepared

Shabbos candles given to Jewish women, especially mothers

האהלה

after a woman marries

rd

rd

2 in Rashi; 2 in Torah

שרה

חלה

Connected to one’s actions

involved in home activities

נש"ק נר שבת קודש

st

rd

1 in Rashi; 3 in Torah

Connected to the fulfillment of Mitzvos

אמו

first part of life of a female

(לקוטי שיחות כרך א, עמ' 34) (לקוטי שיחות כרך כ, עמ' 91 ) (לקוטי שיחות כרך טו, עמ' 163 )