Shavua Tov.
The Bris last Friday (11/6/98) of Shmuel Ben Tzion Leib Marcus was very nice, other than the pall cast by the news of the bombing in Machaneh Yehuda. Chasdei Hashem that the damage was so light. May this month of Kislev H.A.L. herald "Uleamecha Yisrael Asisa Teshua Gedola Ufurkan" as was Bayamim HaHem Bizman Hazeh.

Here's a thought that we were Mechadesh in the Chumash shiur which I now give to some Shana Bet Talmidim from 5:45 - 6:30 every afternoon (except, of course, Tuesdays for obvious reasons)

The Pasuk says that Hashem Berech Es Avraham Bakol. Rashi comments that "Bakol" in Gematria is equal to "Ben." Apparently Rashi wants to explain the need for this Pasuk regarding the blessing of Avraham as an introduction to the search for Yitzchak's wife.
If the Torah indeed meant to refer to the specific Brocha of a son, why doesn't the Pasuk read "VeHashem Berech Es Avraham BeBen?"

In Parshas Lech Lecha, when Hashem promises Avraham great reward, Avraham responds, "Hen Li Lo Natata Zera." Rashi explains that Avraham said what good is there in all you give me, if I do not have a son. All the gold and silver, the slaves and livestock are all worth nothing if there is no continuation to the future.
This is what Rashi means in Parshas Chayei Sara by sayimg Bakol in Gematria is a son. When Avraham was blessed with a son then he was truly blessed with everything because then all he had was transformed in to Beracha.

Now we can understand how this Pasuk is the introduction to the marriage of Yitzchak. "Shefa," plenty, needs Hemshech, continuation, in order to be Bracha. Now that Avraham had a continuation, in the person of Yitzchak, all he has, becomes Beracha. But, if it will end with Yitzchak, then again there is no Hemshech and no Beracha. Therefore it is necessary to find Yitzchak a wife to ensure the continuation to the next generation.

"Bakol" beGematria is a "Ben."

Kol Tuv
Rav Segal