Torah in the Know: Parshat Chayei Sarah: Nov. 22-23 2024/Cheshvan 22 Issue 3

Abstract

Eliezer is given specific instructions from Avraham to guide his search for Yitzchak’s wife. While on his journey, Eliezer prays to Hashem: ‫ויאמר:ה' אלקי אדני אברהם, הקרה נא לפני היום ועשה חסד עם אדני אברהם The Hebrew phrase Eliezer picks seems uncommon to request. Typically, when one davens to Hashem, we don’t ask for something to occur “by chance.” However, the word הקרה comes from מקרא, meaning chance or happenstance. Eliezer is asking Hashem to “cause to happen to me today…." Rav Pincus asks: Why would Eliezer, the trusted servant of Avraham, use a term that implies luck? Since when do we, the followers of Avraham Avinu, believe in luck or random chance? (from Introduction)