There are times when we are faced with a choice of how to act, in a practical way or a meaningful way. Then there are the times when we can have both, practical yet meaningful, all wrapped into one. The best scenario is when this same act also coincides with our value system.
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, we read about Jacob as he returned to Israel and settled in Shechem. To establish a home for his family, he purchased a parcel of land where they would pitch their tents. The Torah tells us he paid one hundred kesita, equivalent to five shekalim. To put this in perspective, it’s like saying he paid one hundred nickels rather than saying five dollars. Since five shekalim was already a small amount, why did the Torah use the even smaller denomination of kesita?
The term kesita is rarely used in the Torah to describe currency. However, the Torah chooses this word to emphasize something deeper and more meaningful: while the land was not expensive, Jacob paid with kesita coins because they held additional value. These coins were often crafted into jewelry, making them more valuable and desirable than their face value alone.
Jacob’s choice was intentional. He wanted to demonstrate his deep love for the land of Israel. By using a coin with intrinsic value, he elevated a practical transaction into a meaningful gesture. He not only purchased the land but also imparted a message about its significance, teaching us how much he valued it. The coins themselves, destined to be used in jewelry, symbolized a payment that extended beyond its monetary worth.
A lesson that we can incorporate into our lives is that when given the chance to add value to our actions, we should—especially when it involves the holy land of Israel. Like Jacob, we can transform even ordinary moments into opportunities to express our deepest values and leave a lasting impact.
Let’s not miss those opportunities.