Peace Leads to Prosperity

Yael Eckstein  |  November 16, 2023

He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” — Genesis 26:22

Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Toldot, which means “offspring,” from Genesis 25:19—28:9.

A few years, history was made when the United Arab Emirates became the third Arab nation to normalize ties with Israel. The treaty was more than an agreement to withhold hostilities. It encouraged collaboration between the two countries in areas including medicine, technology, and security, and promoted tourism and dialogue. It was peace with a promise of prosperity for both countries.

As an Israeli, I was elated by the news, which promised so many blessings for the Holy Land. As an American, I was proud that the efforts and determination of the U.S. played an important part in bringing about this development. As a mother, I felt encouraged that this move toward peace brought our region closer to a safer and better future for all of our children.

Leading to Prosperity

In this week’s Torah reading, we learn that Isaac settled in the valley of Gerar where he reopened three wells originally dug by his father, Abraham. Isaac named the first well Esek, which means “dispute,” because an argument ensued with the locals over the ownership of the well. He called the second well Sitnah, which means “harassment,” because after he uncovered the well, the locals badgered Isaac and his servants. Finally, when Isaac reopened the third well, the local population left him in peace. Isaac named the third well Rehoboth, which means “expansiveness,” because, “Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”

Notice that Isaac didn’t react to the lack of dispute and harassment over this third well by thanking God for peace. Rather, he thanked God for the ability to thrive in the land. This is because true peace leads to prosperity and allows everyone to flourish.

It’s time that we change our culture from one of competition to one of collaboration. We need to support one another, work together, and help each other. Where there is strife, we need to pursue peace. Because when we are at peace with each other, everyone wins.

Whether in the home, in the workplace, or the global arena, peace and cooperation need to be our supreme values. Peace leads to prosperity and the success of us all.

Be a Holy Land Hero

How might you “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) in your family, workplace, and community? As you seek peace in your own life, will you also pledge to pray for peace in the Holy Land?