In our Torah reading this week, Eliezer goes out to find a wife for Yitzchak. When he arrives in Charan, the land of Avraham’s relatives, he asks for a sign that he has found the right person: he will ask her for water to drink, and that she will not only give him water, but also water his camels.

The Beis HaLevi explains that there was great wisdom in Eliezer’s request. The future wife of Yitzchak would be a generous person, who would give him water. She would have to dispose of the water, not knowing if he was carrying any germs or illness, but would have to do it in an inoffensive manner –- by offering to give the remaining water to the camels. She had to be both generous and considerate.

Eliezer, in other words, was looking for someone who would act like Avraham. When Avraham received his three visitors, he first offered them a light meal, because as they were traveling, they might not want to stop for several hours. He offered more extensive hospitality only once he knew they were interested.

This week, I stumbled upon the story of Don Ritchie, who lives on a hill in Sydney, Australia, overlooking the magnificent cliffs called “The Gap.” It has gained a sad reputation as a suicide point, and over the past 45 years Mr. Ritchie has saved nearly 200 lives — simply by inviting people in for a cup of tea.

With a wise combination of consideration and generosity, we, too, can accomplish great things.