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UNE RÉFLEXION SUR PARSHAT TOLDOT 5786

Isaac’s Wells: Discover Your Hidden Source

En Genesis 26:13-22, we read about Isaac digging wells in the land of the Philistines. At first glance, it seems like a simple story about finding water, but rabbinic commentary reveals a much deeper, spiritual message.

The Story of the Wells

After a conflict with the king of Gerar over his growing influence, Isaac moved to the valley and began his life’s work: digging wells. His servants found a source of living water, but disputes arose with the herdsmen of Gerar over the first two wells.

Selon le Rabbi Yosef Chaim (Deret Eliyahu) on vers 26:19, the first two wells were dug in cooperation with the locals, which led to contention — Esek (“Strife”) and Sitnah (“Hatred”). But the third well — Rechovot (“Space”) — Isaac dug alone, in a new place. Here there was no conflict; the Torah uses the singular form “ויחפור” — “he dug,” indicating that Isaac discovered his own source.

The Deeper Message

The Lubavitscher Rebbe explains1:

“Digging a well reveals an already-existing source of water concealed beneath layers of earth.
Abraham said: ‘Let me revive you with the refreshing water of Divine consciousness.’
Isaac said: ‘Now that you are revived, look for your inner source of water. Dig away all the dirt encumbering your life, and you will reveal within yourself a wellspring of Divine awareness.’”

Abraham brought Divine consciousness to the world from without — he shared light and faith with others.
Isaac continued that mission from within: he taught that the Divine source already exists inside every human being, hidden beneath layers of earth — habits, distractions, and misconceptions. Our task is to dig — to remove what covers the soul — until the living water flows freely.

Spiritual Lesson

The first two wells show that when we depend on others who follow different values, conflict often follows. The third well teaches that true blessing and peace come when we act with patience, independence, and faith — when we uncover what is truly ours.

A Practical Lesson for Noahides

For a Noahide today, Isaac’s message is simple and timeless:
Don’t look outside yourself for spiritual fulfillment. You don’t need to borrow someone else’s source.
By living faithfully according to the Seven Noahide Laws, choosing honesty in a dishonest world, and showing reverence for the Creator in daily life, you are digging your own well.

Then you will find that living water flows within you — a deep sense of peace, wisdom, and blessing that rises from your own soul.
This is possible because every human being carries a Divine spark — an inner light that tells you what is true and what is not.
That spark yearns for the living water of Torah — and whoever keeps digging will surely find it.

Par Angelique Sijbolts
Nous remercions le rabbin Tani Burton pour ses commentaires.

Source:

  1.  Daily Wisdom. Inspiring insights on the Torah portion from the Lubavitscher Rebbe V.ol. 1 P. 46
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