PEOPLE OF THE LAND
Selections from classical Torah sources
which express the special relationship between
the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael

Yitzchak -
Wells for Eternity

Three wells were dug by the servants of Yitzchak at Nachal Gerar during his sojourn in that area.

The first two he named "Eisek" (dispute) and "Sitnah" (hindrance), while the third earned the name "Rechovot" (expanses). These names reflected the disputes between the shepherds of Gerar and the shepherds of Yitzchak over rights to the first two wells, and the peacefulness surrounding the third well which enabled Yitzchak to expand his settlement of the land.

These wells, notes Ramban in his commentary, symbolize the three eras of the Beit Hamikdash in Jewish history, for the Holy Temple in Yerushalayim is the source of spiritual water for Israel. The first Beit Hamikdash witnessed many attacks upon our land during its 410 years of existence, so that the well symbolizing it is called "Eisek." The building of the second Beit Hamikdash was hindered for many years through he agitation of the foreigners in our midst and this hindrance continued in different forms for 420 years until its destruction, hence the name "Sitnah."

Only the third Beit Hamikdash , which we pray will soon be built, will rise without controversy as Hashem expands our borders, in the spirit of the name "Rechovot."