November 28, 2019 / Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5780 • Parshat Toledot
Issue 590
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh spring water there.

Bereishit 26:19


Uncovering Hidden Potentials

Although digging wells certainly served to further the advance of civilization wherever they were dug, they more importantly exemplified Isaac's message to the world. As opposed to filling a pit with water brought from elsewhere, digging a well reveals an already-existing source of water concealed beneath layers of earth. Thus, whereas Abraham's message to the world was: "Let me revive you with the refreshing water of Divine consciousness," Isaac's message was: "Now that you have been revived, look for your inner source of water. Dig away all the dirt encumbering your life, and you will reveal within yourself a wellspring of Divine awareness. This awareness will quench your spiritual thirst throughout your whole life."

Isaac's well-digging teaches us that our flashes of insight or inspiration must be followed up with self-improvement and self-refinement in order for them to make lasting changes.

From Kehot's

Daily Wisdom #1