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Of all the patriarchs, Yitzchak is portrayed as the one who ultimately saves the Jewish people from judgment (Shabbat 89b). He is the first Sabra, born in the Land of Israel, and is instructed never to leave. He established the afternoon prayer, evoking the image of the sun in its full blaze. Yet, the Torah tells us remarkably little about his life. When it describes his life’s work, it emphasizes how he dug wells. Why should digging a well encapsulate the legacy of such a towering figure?
There is a basic distinction between a well (be'er) and a spring (ma'ayan). While both access water deep within the earth, a spring flows naturally to the surface, while a well must be discovered and excavated.
Life sometimes gives us "wellspring moments" when blessing and prosperity flow effortlessly to the surface. More often, we find ourselves as well-diggers needing to mine out life's goodness.
Most of us in life just see the dirt. Yet, some of us intuitively see the hidden potential and are undaunted by the challenge of unlocking greatness. Yitzchak had many historic accomplishments. His legacy, though, was defined by his work as a well-digger. He had a vision coupled with a fierce determination to unleash the blessings latent beneath the surface.
In his famous letter to his brother-in-law, Rabbi Gershon of Kitov, the Baal Shem Tov (1698–1760, Ukraine) describes a spiritual ascent in which he asked Mashiach, “When will the Master come?” Mashiach answered him with a verse from Proverbs: " When your wellsprings will spread outward" (5:16). This is a twofold blessing: 1) may life come with ease and flow like a spring that effortlessly flows to the surface. 2) May that flow reach and inspire others.
Yitzchak was a resilient well-digger, but life does not always have to be a struggle.
People are drawn to those who are centred, whose faith, warmth, and goodness flow effortlessly from a place of inner clarity. The Mashiach told the Baal Shem Tov: be a wellspring. May blessings flow naturally into our lives, and through us into the lives of others, preparing the world for Mashiach.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Daniel Green
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