Sicha, 6 Cheshvan 5724
A. Eliezer, Abraham’s Servant
After Abraham’s victory in battle, G-d promises him great reward. Abraham responds that without a son to continue his legacy, such reward is meaningless to him.
From Abraham’s words, “the steward of my household is Eliezer of Damascus,” Rashi teaches us about Eliezer’s greatness:
He successfully managed Abraham’s affairs, helped him triumph in battle, and assisted in Abraham’s mission to spread faith in G-d (Sources 1–2).
In addition, the Sages list Eliezer as one of the nine righteous people who entered Paradise alive (Source 3).
B. A Son to Inherit
The Rebbe asks: Why does Abraham emphasize Eliezer’s virtues when asking G-d for a son?
It would seem to weaken his argument.
The explanation: It is natural for a person to want to see their life’s work succeed.
Eliezer may appear to represent perfect success—devoted, capable, and righteous, but the Torah teaches that this is only half the job.
True continuity and eternity exist only when a child continues in their parents’ path and devotes themselves to it completely.
Moreover, the greatest reward a person can receive is that their children continue their life mission.
Lesson for our lives: Someone who works for a higher calling or purpose must ensure that his children continue that mission with the same strength and dedication.
C. The Critical Importance of Education
This is why the greatest Jewish leaders placed such strong emphasis on education.
Education is how we ensure that the ideals for which Jews gave their lives throughout the generations will endure in future generations.
In the book of Exodus, when G-d speaks to Moses, He says:
“I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
Rashi comments: “I appeared–to the Patriarchs.” (Source 4)
What is Rashi adding?
The Rebbe explains: Rashi clarifies that the primary greatness of the Patriarchs was not their personal spiritual achievements, but that they were “Patriarchs”—they raised and educated children who continued in their path.
That is why, when we recite Shema Yisrael twice daily we immediately continue with “and you shall teach them to your children.”
The way to ensure the eternity of Shema Yisrael is through education.
After G-d promises Abraham that his children will inherit him, He commands him to bring sacrifices.
This teaches that to succeed in educating one’s children, we must be willing to make sacrifices—to give of ourselves.
That is the essence of a sacrifice: giving up something of ourself for a higher cause.
