Hi,

Let’s refresh our memories.

Jacob meets Rachel and it seems right out of the movies.

Until we think about it.

Jacob kisses Rachel.  But he cries!

He “loves” her.  But suggests waiting seven years.

And then the clincher.

He loves her so much?

That those seven years go by like a few days.

Doesn’t make sense.  Should have felt like an eternity!

… I want to share one approach.

It’s may seem less romantic.  But it’s more meaningful.

We’re not talking love like in Hollywood.

Which is usually something else.

Infatuation!

… Real love is based on something real.

It’s about having goals in life.

And finding the person that will be your partner in achieving those goals.

… Jacob had just been given a promise by G-d.

That he will become a great nation which will be a blessing for the whole world. (28:14)

His mother sends him to her family to find a wife.

The one that will help him build the Jewish People.

… Jacob sees Rachel.  She’s Rebecca’s (Jacob’s mother) niece.

He kisses her as a long lost cousin.

And then he cries!

He may have had a premonition.  Probably a prophecy.

But he knew that Rachel was meant for him.

That together with Rachel he will build the Jewish People.

Probably the most meaningful achievement of all times.

He had a goal.  Found his partner.  And he loved her.

… There is a time when we look forward to something very much.

But time really flies by.

When we have a goal.  And we’re training for that goal.

Think of someone training for the Olympics.

(Picture the swimmer, Michael Phelps!)

They’re looking forward to it so much.  Training so hard.

And what happens?

They can’t believe how fast the time went by!

… Jacob wasn’t quiet ready for his challenge.

He used those seven years for spiritual training.

Getting ready for the building of the Jewish People with Rachel.

He loved her.

… But it felt like a few days!

All the best,