The one that revolves around the death of Sarah, the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah for her burial, the mission of Abraham’s servant Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac, and the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah.
Parashah Chayei Sara (the Life of Sarah) begins in the land of Canaan, where the matriarch Sarah passes away at the age of 127. The city of Hebron feels her loss deeply, and Abraham, her loving husband, mourns. Abraham approaches the Hittites to buy a burial plot. He expresses his desire to purchase the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite. After some negotiation, Abraham buys the cave and its surrounding field for 400 shekels of silver. This transaction marks the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally owns.
Abraham decides that it’s time for his son Isaac to marry. However, he doesn’t want Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman. So, he sends his trusted servant (often identified as Eliezer) to his former homeland to find a wife.
Upon reaching the city of Nahor, the servant stops by a well. He forms a plan: He will ask a woman for a drink, and if she offers water to him and his camels without being asked, she’ll be the one chosen for Isaac. Rebekah, a young woman from Abraham’s extended family, arrives at the well and fulfills this sign, indicating that she is the chosen one. In gratitude, the servant gives her gifts and jewelry.
The servant is invited to Rebekah’s home and meets her family, including her brother Laban and her father, Bethuel. He recounts his journey, the sign he had devised, and Rebekah’s kind act at the well. They acknowledge that the matter has been determined by higher powers and cannot be interfered with. They then ask Rebekah if she’s willing to leave and marry Isaac, to which she agrees.
Rebekah travels with the servant to Canaan. As they approach their destination, Isaac, who has been meditating in the field, sees them. Rebekah and Isaac have an immediate connection. They get married, and Isaac finds solace in Rebekah’s companionship after the loss of his mother.
Abraham marries another woman named Keturah after Sarah’s death and has more children. To ensure that there are no disputes over inheritance, Abraham gives gifts to these children and sends them away to the east, solidifying Isaac’s position as his primary heir.
The portion ends with the passing of Abraham at 175 years old. He is laid to rest by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael, in the Cave of Machpelah, alongside Sarah.
Thus, Chayei Sarah, despite beginning with the theme of death, is largely about continuity — passing on Abraham’s legacy to the next generation and establishing the roots of the Israelite nation in the land of Canaan.
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These lessons from Parashah Chayei Sara can help you navigate important aspects of life, from relationships to values, and they offer valuable guidance as you grow and face new experiences.
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