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The Belzer Rebbe: Chayei Sarah: Pride in Our Greatness



The 22nd of Cheshvan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yissachar Dov Rokeach, the third Belzer rebbe (1854-1926) He wonders why when Eliezer quoted his master, Abraham, to Betuel and Laban, he changed from, “The people within whom I dwell,” to, “the people in whose land I dwell.”

The Belzer explained that Abraham meant what he said, “Bikirbo” – deep inside them. I have Ruach Hakodesh and can see deep inside them. I know them in an unimaginable way.”

Eliezer suspected that Betuel and Laban would ridicule the idea of Ruch HaKodesh and changed Abraham’s words to something more innocuous.

Eliezer was right that people ridicule the idea of Ruach HaKodesh. However, the great Abraham certainly knew that as well. Abraham did not want to pretend to be less than he was, even if it meant that others would laugh at him.

Eliezer wanted to protect his master’s reputation. However, he lost an opportunity to speak of Abraham as he really was and to plant a seed of awareness of Abraham’s greatness in the minds of the most cynical people.

We can never allow shame to cause us to hesitate to speak of our leaders as less than they really are. Once we begin to speak of them as less, we will treat them as less. We should be proud of the people God has sent to lead us.

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