Parashat Chayei Sarah - Genesis 23:1-25:18 - "Abraham's Tent" - Weekly D'var Torah From Rabbi John Ludemann

By Rabbi John Ludemann, BTh.

This week we say farewell to Sarah and Abraham (Genesis 23:1-25:18). We now meet the next generation of patriarchs and matriarchs, Isaac and his wife Rebecca. Rebecca is the one of the most special matriarchs of the Hebrew Bible. She unlike her mother-in-law, Sarah joined the Abrahamic Movement of her own freewill as opposed to Sarah following Abraham out of martial duty. Rebecca is so revered that it is believed that Proverbs 31 is attributed to her and her virtue. Rebecca like Abraham came out of a home that practiced Idolatry. We know this because Rebecca’s brother Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his home idol later on in Genesis 31:22-53. So, Rebecca leaves her home and goes into the life of Monotheism. Like Abraham, Rebecca “Lech Lecha” goes out from her home that is idolatrous and into a place the Living G-D directs her.

Some interesting things from this portion called “Chayei Sarah” or “The life of Sarah” in Hebrew. In the last week’s portion there is the famous attempted Sacrifice of Isaac. Even though this was a test from the Almighty, there is an indication that Sarah did not think this was from G-D. We know this from a number of hints. First, Sarah does not speak after that last portion. Second, Sarah and Isaac is not living in Abraham’s tent. In Genesis 24:67 states that “And Isaac Brought her (Rebecca) into the Tent of Sarah his mother; he married Rebecca and she became his wife, he loved her; and thus was Isaac consoled after his mother” (JPS 2009) It seems that both Sarah and Isaac were concerned for the life and limb of Isaac. In fact that attempt to sacrifice Isaac may have blinded Isaac both physically, and spiritually. This is why the end of the verse 67 is says “And thus was Isaac consoled after his mother”. Sarah feared that Abraham would try again. Rebecca is literally a G-D send. She takes over for Sarah as Isaac’s protector; she runs the household and ultimately continues the march toward the promise of Canaan to her progeny. We all have strong women in our lives. It doesn’t matter if they made mistakes in the past. G-D has risen up such women throughout the Hebrew Bible. From Rebecca, to Judith and Esther. When the men were either unable to lead or needed help there was a woman who’d stand up and do G-D’s will. We honor those women, their righteousness and strength.

As a man and husband of 23 years, I see that strong woman that G-D placed before me. We all have that mother, wife, and friend that guides us when we believe we have not the ability to achieve our goals. That moment she is there, as Proverbs 31: 26 states:

“Her mouth is full of wisdom, her tongue with kindly teaching.” We all have a Rebecca in our lives. We need to hear their wisdom and find strength their words of encouragement. Isaac needs Rebecca, and so does G-D. Rebecca must do what Isaac cannot do: To choose Jacob over Esau.