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Thu, 09 May 2024 18:06:37 -0500

D'var: Parashat Chayei-Sarah 5784
Commentary by Janet Esterman
Friday, November 10, 2023
Genesis 23:1–25:18

This week’s Parashah is Chayei–Sarah, which means "The Life of Sarah."

In A Nutshell
Sarah dies at age 127 and is buried in the Machpelah cave in Hebron, which Abraham purchases for four–hundred (400) shekels of silver.

Abraham's servant Eliezer is sent, laden with gifts to Charan, to find a wife for his son, Isaac. At the village well, Eliezer asks G-d for a sign. G-d said, "When the maidens come to the well, he will ask for water to drink, the woman who will offer to give his camels water shall be the one destined for his master's son (Isaac)."

Rebecca, the daughter of Abraham's nephew, Bethuel, appears at the well and passes the "test" (drawing water for Eliezer's camels). Eliezer, Abraham's servant, gave riches in the form of jewelry to Rebecca. Eliezer is invited to their home.

Rebecca goes with Eliezer to return to Canaan where they see Isaac praying the int field. Isaac marries Rebecca, loves her and is comforted over the loss of his mother, Sarah.

Abraham takes a new wife, Keturah, and fathers six (6) additional sons, but Isaac is designated as his only heir. Abraham dies at one-hundred and seventy-five (175) and is buried beside Sarah by his two eldest sons, Isaac and Ishmael.

Parashah Perspective 5784 (2023)
  • Coming of old age — and youth renewed
  • Passing a spiritual legacy
  • Finding a partner that brings spiritual cohesion
Old age to be recognized
  • Acquire understanding and wisdom
  • Visible distinction
  • A legacy
Two themes: Burial and matchmaking
  • Passing down righteousness: Rebecca
  • The knowledge of kindness
Three themes regarding money:
  • Wife
  • Burial
  • Inheritance
The Work Is Never Finished!

Janet Esterman

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