B”H

TOLDOT: BRIMMING WATERS
By Rabbi Yonassan Biggs

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Shalom and Bracha!
This Shabbat we bless the month of Kislev and read the portion of Toldot. The portion begins with the birth of Yaakov and Esav and concludes with Yitzchak blessing Yaakov and sending him to his uncle Lavan, Rivkah’s brother, in order to find a wife.

One subject that is frequently mentioned in this week’s portion is the digging of wells. First the Torah mentions that Yitzchak redug the wells that his father had dug but had been filled with earth by the Philistines. Thereafter the Torah relates that his servants dug three new wells brimming with living waters. Local shepherds contested two of the wells that the servants dug, but the third was uncontested, which served as a sign of Hashem’s blessing for prosperity and security. Whatever the Torah tells us is a lesson in our service of Hashem. We must therefore seek to understand the significance of digging wells.

The Ramban explains that the three wells represent the three Temples in Yerushalayim: the Temples of Solomon, of Ezra, and of Moshiach. The contesting of the first two wells represents the destruction of the first two Temples, and the third well being uncontested represents the eternity of the third Temple. We must seek to understand the significance of the parable of wells to represent the Holy Temple.

Dry ground and rocks appear to be barren, lacking any sign of life. By digging deep, we can reveal a well, a source of life. The deeper one digs, the more and purer water one reveals. Once uncovered, the source doesn’t need to be replenished. Unlike rainwater, which must come from the sky, spring water needs only to be revealed. In service of Hashem, this parallels revealing the G-dly nature that is within each person and within every aspect of the world. Interestingly, according to Jewish law spring water can purify in cases when rain water cannot. Our hidden good is more powerful than our revealed goodness. Often wells rise on there own once revealed. This represents the deep desire of the goodness hidden in each person and object to be reveled.

Everything in the world was created by Hashem for a purpose and therefore is essentially G-dly. Every person possesses a soul and therefore is essentially good. Sometimes, the goodness and the G-dliness are hidden beneath a thick and coarse exterior. Our purpose in the world is to reveal that goodness and that G-dliness. The deeper we dig, the more good and G-dliness we reveal. By doing so, we make each individual and the world as a whole a dwelling place for G-d. This is the central concept of the construction of the Temple, creating a dwelling place for Hashem as the Torah says, “Make for Me a Holy place and I will dwell amongst you.”

When we have begun to reveal the goodness and G-dliness in the world, but not finished the job, there is contention. When we have finished the job, on the contrary, there will be perfect consent and peace.

In Jewish law, well water is considered purer than rainwater and has a greater power to purify people and objects that have been defiled. Spring water is also generally considered better in quality. The special qualities of spring water are because the water penetrates and passes through the crevices, rocks and dirt. This symbolizes overcoming adversity. When one overcomes adversity, it not only purifies the person, it gives them strength to affect the world and bring purity to others.
Isaac’s blessing at the end of the portion beings with the words “And G-d will give you.” Rashi notes that the word “and” is superfluous and implies that G-d will give and give again. Isaac blessed Jacob and his offspring that they will be blessed with revealed good and the power to reveal and enjoy the hidden good.

The Baal Shem Tov ascended to the Heavenly chamber of Moshiach and asked him when he will arrive. Moshiach answered him “when your wellsprings (The Baal Shem Tov’s teachings) will spread outward.” The month of Kislev is the month of the revelation of Chassidut. May it be Hashem’s will that we will immediately merit the coming of Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Biggs
Dedicated to Elazar Chaim Rafael Ben Sarah for a full and speedy recovery
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