The Most Important Trait

"And it will be, that the maiden to whom I will say, 'Lower your pitcher and I will drink,' and she will say, 'Drink, and I will also water your camels,' her have You designated for Your servant, for Isaac, and through her may I know that You have performed loving kindness with my master." (Bereishit - Chapter 24:14)

The Gemarah Chulin 95a states: An omen which is not after the structure pronounced by Eliezer Abraham's servant, or by Jonathan the son of Saul, is not considered a divination!

Rav Rovman in his sefer zichron Meir asks how was it possible for Eliezer the servant of Avraham to determine the quality of Rivka's character solely by the kindness she did for his camels. In order to be fitting for Isaac she surely also needed perfection in many other areas of her personality such as purity of heart, faith and the fear of Hashem etc.

The Mishna in Perki Avos Chapt. 2:9 can help us explain. He (Rav Johanan) said unto them: Go forth and observe which is the good way unto which a man should cleave? R. Eliezer said, a good eye, R. Joshua said, a good associate, R. Jose said a good neighbor, R. Simeon said, one who looks (ahead to see) what (consequences) shall be brought forth (by his own actions). R Eleazar said a good heart. Said he (Rav Johanan) unto them, I prefer the words of R. Eleazar (ben'arach) to your words, for within the comprehensive character of his words (a good heart), are your words included.

The Bartenur explains that the heart is the source of all the other character traits and the Teferes Israel explains that when one's heart is quiet and happy one can see the good in others and increase their love for them and for G-d.

So what Eliezer was really testing was Rifka's heart. By asking Rifka to perform this strenuous task of watering ten camels while he and his able and healthy men sat back and watched, Rifka's true character was able to shine forth. Rifka did this difficult chesed with a happiness and excitement for the pure sake of helping others even when they were not in need or deserved her help. It is this quality of a "good heart" which was a true sign of her outstanding qualities.

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