Our story revolves around a verse from Genesis 17:22: "He concluded speaking with him, and God ascended from upon Abraham." This simple line, as interpreted by the sages in Bereshit Rabbah, teaches us a profound lesson about etiquette and honoring those around us. It suggests that whether the person you're leaving is of higher or lower standing than you, it's important to take your leave properly.
Where does this idea come from? It all starts with Abraham.
The Midrash tells us that Abraham was in the middle of a conversation with the Holy One, blessed be He, when angels arrived, wanting to speak with him (Genesis 18:1-3). Now, picture this: Abraham's got God right there! But he doesn't just turn his back on God to chat with the angels. Instead, he says to the angels, in effect, "Just a moment, let me take my leave from the Divine Presence, who is greater than you, and then I'll be with you."
According to Bereshit Rabbah, when Abraham finished speaking with God, he said, "Master of the Universe, I need to speak with the angels." And God responded, "You may leave in peace." It’s from this exchange that we learn the importance of taking leave from someone of greater stature. The verse "He concluded speaking with him, and God ascended from upon Abraham" is interpreted to mean that God Himself bade farewell to Abraham before departing.
But it doesn't stop there. The Midrash extends this idea further, suggesting that we should also take our leave from someone of lesser stature. It’s not just about hierarchy; it's about common courtesy and recognizing the humanity in everyone. Think about it: a quick "Goodbye, it was nice talking to you" can make a world of difference.
And here's where it gets even more interesting. Reish Lakish offers a powerful image, stating that the patriarchs themselves are the Divine Chariot! What does that mean? Well, the Merkabah, or Divine Chariot, is a central concept in Jewish mysticism, representing God’s presence and glory. Reish Lakish says that God's presence rests directly upon them, as one rides upon a chariot. He points to verses like "God ascended from upon Abraham" (Genesis 17:22) and "Behold, the Lord stood upon him" (Genesis 28:13) to illustrate this point. These verses suggest that God is, in a sense, "upon" the patriarchs, intimately connected to them. As we find in Genesis 35:13, "God ascended from upon him."
So, what can we take away from this ancient teaching? It's more than just a lesson in etiquette. It's a reminder that every interaction matters. Whether we're speaking with someone we perceive as "important" or someone we might overlook, acknowledging their presence and taking our leave respectfully is a way of honoring the Divine spark within them. It’s a small act, perhaps, but one that can ripple outwards, creating a more mindful and compassionate world. Next time you're in a conversation, remember Abraham's example. Acknowledge those around you, and leave with grace. You never know what kind of impact it might have.