Often, I am asked why it is that we need Rabbinic Judaism. If G-d wanted to tell us something, he could have included it in the Torah, just as He has included so many other details. Why the need for the Rabbis to extrapolate it from the Torah through hints? Not only that, He has included some details more than once, such as in this week’s Torah portion, where we are told the story – twice – of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, and his search for a wife for Isaac.
If we think about it, in our own lives we, too, say things not only once, but twice, and yet we are ignored. The best way – we hope – to be heard, is to “drop a hint.” When we speak in riddles, although our intent may be indirect, it allows the other person to figure it out, and there is a stronger desire to do what is requested.
Let’s use the example if you have a birthday coming up and you want a certain present. If you drop a hint and your beloved “gets it” there will be this “aha” moment and they will be not only willing to buy it but will do so with enthusiasm. If, on other hand you ask for it directly, your wish may be forgotten.
This is why, when Eliezer meets Rebekah’s family, he doesn’t mention the details of the story that are stated directly in the Torah; rather, he shares a miracle that is only hinted – that his trip, miraculously, was much shorter than it could have been, pointing out that this is a sign from G-d that Rebekah is the predestined wife for Isaac.
The commentators ask: Reading the text, there are more obvious signs, such as the way Rebekah cared for the camels and Eliezer at the well. Why discuss an event that happened to him, and not an interaction with Rebekah?
The answer given is because this detail is only hinted at in the Torah and not mentioned directly. It is in the “hints” that the truth is revealed.
The secrets of the Torah, the deeper meaning of the Torah, lurks beneath the surface. Eliezer was showing Rebekah’s family that Isaac and Rebekah are meant for each other not just on the surface, but that their souls are meant for each other as well.
When we hint to our spouse what we want for a gift and they figure it out, this is a good sign.
When the Rabbis derive a deeper meaning from the Torah, this reveals a strong connection between us and G-d.
Let’s find deeper meaning in the story of Rebekah and the well.