Behind Closed Doors - Haftorah Veyeira
In this week’s Haftorah we find the story of the widowed woman who approaches Elisha the prophet in a time of desperation. She is destitute and at risk of losing her two sons to creditors. Elisha directs her to collect as many jars and vessels as she possibly can, to close her door and begin pouring the few drops of oil that she has left in all of these vessels. When she pours the few drops into another jar, the oil miraculously continues to flow until the jar is filled. The miracle continues as each vessel is filled and only stops when no more empty vessels remain.
Why did Elisha insist that she close the door before beginning to pour the oil? Rashi observes that a proper miracle happens only when hidden from public view. This comment raises several questions. Our nation has experienced many miracles in very public ways, such as the ten plagues and the splitting of the sea. Furthermore, would not Hashem want the public to see His miracles to foster a greater level of faith in Him?
Finally, we who are studying the text are made aware of the miracle so it is in fact no longer hidden!
A miracle is a contradiction or upending of nature. Hashem in His modesty seeks be cloaked in nature. However, miracles performed for the salvation of His people as a whole are made known so that the world is aware of Hashem’s love for the Jewish people and the extent that He is willing to go to preserve them. In the case of an individual, Hashem’s primary interest is in assuring a person’s dignity by not exposing his or her weakness or vulnerability. Consequently, we understand Elisha’s instruction to close the door. As this event was recorded after it occurred and without including the name of the woman who Elisha assisted, she suffers no shame or embarrassment.
Through this miracle, we learn not only of Hashem’s readiness to intervene for an individual but also the value of privacy. When extending help, we, too, must act with discretion and protect the dignity of others. We are reminded that acts of kindness are most powerful when they respect the personal boundaries and humanity of those we seek to uplift. In these difficult and painful times, may we experience Hashem’s love and kindness through the grace of His open and hidden miracles.