| Dedicated in Honor of Paul Glazer
View Others Through the Lens of Love
When Yaacov Avinu saw his wife-to-be, Rachel, for the first time, he began to cry. His sadness was awakened because he prophesied that she would not be buried next to him. Why would such a spiritually oriented person like Yaakov, be so troubled over not being near his wife after they were no longer alive in this world? The Patriarchs viewed everything in this world through the lens of their "spiritual eye," seeing the essence of every creation. Our Patriarchs love for their wives was not based on the mundane. Rather the love of our Patriachs was awakened by the recognition of the great spiritual beauty of their wives. In light of this, Yaacov cried upon realizing that ultimately he would be eternally separated from the radiant holiness of Rachel's soul.
Moral: Every person has inner spiritual dimensions that are perceptible to our hearts and souls. Yaacov's love for Rachel was ignited by his awareness of her great spiritual goodness. His love for Rachel spanned to eternity.
Application: Look beyond the surface of your fellow man. Remember that every person shines with a powerful inner light. Strive to see the inner beauty of your loved ones and friends. Love them for their holiness and goodness -- their true spiritual essence.
(Based on the commentary of Rashi to Vayetzei)
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