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In this week’s Parsha, Chayei Sarah, Avraham sends his servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for his son Yitzchak. Naturally, Eliezer is anxious about this task. Choosing the wife of one of the forefathers of Israel, someone who would shape the future of the Jewish nation, is no trivial matter. He knew that this woman would not be an ordinary wife and mother, but a matriarch. Therefore, before embarking on his quest, Eliezer prays to Hashem, asking Him for a sign that will show him which woman is a suitable wife for Yitzchak. Eliezer ultimately decides that he would choose the woman who provides him with water for himself and for his camels. He considers this act of Chessed to be sufficient evidence of her eligibility.

Yet we learn in Sefer Devarim that it is forbidden to base one’s actions solely on a sign or omen. In light of this prohibition, Eliezer’s request of G-d seems inappropriate and unwarranted. It appears as though he is being superstitious when he expresses his willingness to rely on a sign to help him make his decision. However, the Ran clarifies that this prohibition only applies to omens unrelated to the choice being made. In Eliezer’s case, the omen was relevant to his mission. Since he knew that a future matriarch of Israel had to be a woman of kindness and sensitivity, Eliezer was not looking for an omen, but rather for proof of her qualifications.

It is interesting, then, to note that Eliezer was looking specifically for someone who would perform an act of Chessed for him. When Rivka offers to provide him with water for himself and for his camels, Eliezer decides that she is the perfect match for Yitzchak. The fact that he focuses on Chessed as opposed to any other character trait emphasizes its importance and highlights its powerful effects.

Eliezer’s search for Yitzchak’s wife teaches us about the significance of Chessed and the importance of making it a part of our daily lives. Midreshet Amit not only allows us to learn Torah and expand our understanding of it, but also gives us an opportunity to spend time with disadvantaged children living in Beit Hayeled. We devote hours each day to teaching and playing with children who come from difficult backgrounds, providing them with a fun and safe learning environment. We hope that even once we leave Amit, we will strive to emulate Rivka's kindness and continue to perform acts of Chessed, wherever we may be. Shabbat Shalom!