When a person feels successful and accomplished, their reactions vary from person to person. On one end of the spectrum we see people who ‘pump fists and beat chests with a jig,’ priding themselves on how good they are. On the other end we find people humbly thanking Hashem inwardly for the success He granted them. In this week’s Torah portion of Chaye Sarah we find the proper response in these types of situations.
Avraham sent Eliezer, his trusted servant, off to Aram Naharaim, Avraham’s homeland, to find a wife for Yitzchak. When Eliezer found Rivka at the well and sensed that she was the one, the Torah records his reaction: “So the man bowed low and prostrated himself to Hashem. He said, Blessed is Hashem, G-D of my master Avraham, Who has not withheld His kindness and truth from my master. As for me, Hashem has guided me on the way to the house of my master’s brothers” (Breishis 24:26, 27).
The lesson the Ralbag learns from here is, “It’s proper for a person whose thoughts are properly intended and has success in his matters to acknowledge and give thanks to Hashem, for everything is from Him. For this can be utilized to align one’s love for Hashem and to come close to Him as much as possible. Meaning, when it’s publicized that Hashem takes care of mankind, in this way people will put in effort to serve Hashem and come close to Him as much as possible so that they can receive good from Him through His personal care and involvement with them. This is why Eliezer gave praise and gratitude to Hashem for the good that was granted to Avraham in this matter.” (Click here for Hebrew text.)
When one lands a good business deal or even aces a test or scores the winning point in a ballgame, it’s basic emuna and bitachon, belief and trust in Hashem that one shouldn’t take the credit themselves for the success they had. Yet, one might think, why make a scene? Just thank Hashem quietly, privately, even in one’s heart. There is no need to flaunt Hashem’s Divine intervention in their life. The humble thing to do would be to keep it to oneself and not have a public reaction that might draw attention. But we see from this Ralbag that Eliezer acted appropriately. He did a kida, which is full-fledged prostration with his whole body, spread on the floor, and bowed again towards Hashem, all in public, for the help he acknowledged Hashem provided in finding Yitzchak’s bashert, his proper soul mate. He made a scene, and the Ralbag says this was proper to do, because it can create an incredible kiddush Hashem.
The times when things are going your way and you feel successful, those are the easiest times to get close to Hashem. It’s easier to love and draw near to Hashem when you can feel He is personally helping, than in the hard times or even the mundane hidden times. Therefore take advantage and show it off to others (of course there are limits, you shouldn’t overdo it). The litmus test is when you can honestly say that your response is lishem Shamayim, reacting so excitedly purely for the sake of Heaven; then you know you aren’t going overboard.
The Ralbag is teaching us that by showing your excitement and not keeping it inside, one can make a very positive impact on others and will drive them to seek out their own relationship with Hashem and see how He’s positively involved in their lives. This is a tremendous kiddush Hashem, because it’s drawing others closer to Hashem and causing them to love Him more and more. It also creates an opportunity to enhance ones own love and closeness towards Hashem because when you bring people closer to Hashem, Hashem will come even closer to you. The enhancement of love is mutual.