* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin ([email protected])
“Shalom Sivan, my name is YItzchak Cohen. Today is my wedding anniversary and, on this occasion, I am preoccupied with army reserve duty. I would like to dedicate a thought to my wife that I believe is fitting also for spouses everywhere.
In this week’s Torah portion, Yaakov comes to a well and sees shepherds there who cannot move a heavy stone that covers it. And then we read the following verse:
‘And it happened when Yaakov saw Rachel . . . he approached and rolled the stone off the mouth of the well.’
What gave Yaakov the strength to move the stone? The commentator known as Ba’al HaTurim explains: ‘When he saw her . . . the “Shchina” (divine spirit) rested upon him.’
In other words, our lifetime partner empowers us with awesome, holy power. Moreover, formidable spiritual forces develop in the family we create.
At this time, the families left at home to engage in the daily struggles of domestic life ,provide us with our spiritual strength. In our families’ merit, we are able to move enormous stones that block our way . . .
Mazal tov to us on 17 years of marriage. And thanks to my wife, the source of my strength.”
