When Rebecca sees Isaac, she slides off the camel, indicating her readiness for marriage. But it is when Isaac hears of Rebecca鈥檚 gracious acts, the Torah explains, Isaac falls in love.
We鈥檙e accustomed to the idea of 鈥渓ove at first sight.鈥� There is a certain magnetism in physical attraction. However, the Torah reveals additional layers of chemistry that exist outside of appearance. Someone鈥檚 compassionate, kind character reflects an unparalleled beauty; a beauty that unlocks another鈥檚 soul and causes love to burst forth.
We don鈥檛 engage in acts of chesed (lovingkindness) to attract another human being. But we can follow the Torah鈥檚 example and reframe our conditions for partnership. Is attraction based solely on the physical? Or is chemistry based on something deeper? What would happen if we first examined someone鈥檚 character and only then added physical attraction to the equation?
Perhaps 鈥渟eeing or hearing about鈥� good character would even enhance physical chemistry.
This is the first time love is mentioned in the Torah. Let鈥檚 not be in hasty in how we decide on a first, second, or third date. Get to know someone鈥檚 soul. You might find love is closer than you think.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is senior rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at or on Instagram . For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik鈥檚 from Sinai Temple鈥檚 website.
