Imitation is a very important learning tool. We endeavor to emulate others’ good points
Timna was a princess. She wanted to convert to belief in Hashem, but Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov wouldn’t accept her. So she went and became a concubine to Elifaz, son of Eisav, saying, “Better I should be a maid to someone from this nation rather than a primary wife in another nation.” Subsequently, she gave birth to Amalek (Sanhedrin 99b).Why didn’t the Avos accept Timna as they accepted other geirim? Perhaps it is because the Torah doesn’t allow Amalek or his household to be accepted as geirim; the Avos maintained this, since they kept the whole Torah even before it was given. But how does this relate to Amalek’s mother, Timna?
Timna gave up a life of royalty, just to be part of this family. Her husband, Elifaz, the greatest of Eisav’s children, grew up in the lap of Yitzchak’s family and allowed Yaakov to escape although Eisav had sent him to kill him. So what went wrong? (Rabbi Yaakov S. Weinberg, The Torah Connection)
My friend Esty is Napoleon. At least that’s what I call her. She’s a petite bundle of energy who runs her home, her business, and her life with confidence and verve. Her kids know to put their dirty laundry in the hamper, her suppliers know she’s efficient and savvy, and she’s the type to step up with a grand chesed — like making an entire kiddush for a family without relatives.
She also has a great sense of humor and is a terrific friend. But let’s face it. Deep down, there’s a little voice inside me that wishes I could be more like Esty.
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