But why was the recipient David? There is a spiritual kinship between Adam and David: Just as Adam was the beginning of generations for humanity at large, and was found worthy of receiving the initial flow of life, David represents the true beginning of the Jewish people through the Davidic dynasty from which Mashiach will materialize – and was also found worthy of receiving that same flow of life.
Ultimately, however, the message of this midrash is the idea of giving. Adam’s selflessly giving seventy years of his life gave us a David and his book of Tehillim that has become so central to the lives of the Jewish people. And Adam’s example gave us such leaders as Abraham and Moses, who were so willing to unselfishly give of their own lives for the betterment of others.
And the tradition of giving goes on today, in if a more modest style, with no less heroic intentions.
By the time Yael was ready to go back to sleep, both father and daughter had learned a lot: the significance of the numbers used in that famous if somewhat obscure midrash; how rank and status can often lead to the necessity of maintaining a higher personal ethic; and the often awesome nature of being able to wield power.
But perhaps most significant was the idea of our responsibility to give – in whatever form or kind. This is an idea accessible to everyone. It’s a deeply rooted Jewish concept that has been lived up to in modern times, and was personally witnessed when a small New Jersey community went well above and beyond the call of duty for one cancer patient and his family.
And for that, this author is grateful.