Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Daily Aliya for Toldot, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Isaac became extremely wealthy. He also re-dug some of the wells that his father Avraham had dug, but had since been stopped up by the Philistines. The Philistines eventually became envious of his wealth, and asked him to leave. Isaac complied, moving away from the city and settling in the Gerar Valley. There, Isaac's servants dug two new wells but the Philistines contested his ownership over these wells. The third well he dug was uncontested.

Some see these wells as a hidden reference to the first and second Temples, which fell, and the third which will stand forever. The Gemara in Brachot says that anyone who sees a well in a dream will see peace, because this Aliya is immediately followed by the peace treaty between Avimelech and Yitzchak. Others say that anyone who sees a well in their dream has found Torah, equating water with Torah. These varied references have one thing in common: They acknowledge the symbolism of this Aliya's story. So whether it's salvation, peace or Torah, this story of our past is one of hope for our future.

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