The Potential for Greatness

Yael Eckstein  |  February 13, 2023

Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” — Ruth 4:11

This month marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of my father, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. In his honor, I offer you a selection of devotions on the spiritual importance of legacy and leadership.

Shortly before he passed away, my father, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, gave me his blessing in preparation for the day I would assume the duties as president. He said to me then, “This is the prayer I’ve recited over you every Friday night on Shabbat since you were born: May the Lord bless you like our mothers Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah.

“May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May He let His light shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance unto you and grant you shalom, peace. This is my blessing to you, that your life with your family, with your children, and your calling be filled with love and meaning.”

These are the words that I have carried in my heart since that dark day I lost my father, and which have enabled me to carry on his legacy and pass it on to my own children.

The Potential for Greatness

The Jewish tradition of invoking the names of the patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith when giving blessings goes all the way back to the Bible. One example is at the end of the Book of Ruth, on the occasion of Ruth’s marriage to Boaz.

We read, “Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, ‘We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.’”

This blessing was about much more than simply remembering the matriarchs of Israel. The elders of Bethlehem were saying that Ruth, a poor Moabite widow who had immigrated to Israel only a few months before, had the potential for greatness, just like  Rachel and Leah. Ruth, too, could be a great matriarch, regardless of her background.

When we look to the great people of the past who came before us, we must remember that we have that potential for greatness as well. The greatness of people like Rachel and Leah should inspire us to reach as high as possible.

Your Turn:

What great people of the past do you set as your example? Next time you bless someone, invoke the biblical personalities that you wish for them to emulate.