This week’s Torah portion is Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1 – 25:18
This week’s parsha is Chayei Sarah, or “the lifetime of Sarah.” In this parsha, Sarah dies at the age of 127, and Abraham buries her in the cave of Machpelah. I found it interesting that although the portion’s name, Chayei Sarah, translates to “the lifetime of Sarah,” we only learn about her death.
Rabbi Shalom Goodman suggests that the parsha is titled Chayei Sarah because it is an opportunity to reflect on Sarah’s life. It has been said that Rebecca, Sarah’s daughter-in-law, lived her life embodying Sarah. She learned to follow Sarah’s values, customs and teachings from Isaac and his family. Although this parsha only mentions Sarah in passing, it still highlights the legacy she created for her descendants, including us as modern-day Jews.
Part of Sarah’s legacy is courage and caring for others. She agreed with Abraham’s plan to pretend to be his sister while traveling to Egypt in search of food during a famine. This was very risky. If the Egyptians found out they were married, they would kill Abraham so the Pharaoh could marry Sarah. But if Abraham and Sarah claimed to be siblings, the Egyptians would let them stay. There was also a chance Sarah could be taken into Pharaoh’s court against her will and that is exactly what happened. As it says in Genesis 12:15, “Pharaoh’s courtiers saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s palace.”
Still, Sarah showed great determination. Their risky plan was not well thought out, but she continued because she cherished her husband and wanted the best for him. And with God’s help, it all worked out for Abraham and Sarah. From this we observe how Sarah remained calm in nerve-wracking situations. We learn from Sarah how important it is to work together as a Jewish community and take care of one another. We are brave in the face of danger and show empathy toward others, even when faced with difficult decisions.
Sarah also welcomed guests, which in Hebrew is called hachnasat orchim. When unexpected undercover angels arrived at her camp, she prepared food and made sure they were comfortable. From this, we learn to welcome anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. I try to practice Sarah’s mitzvah of welcoming others through my bat mitzvah project supporting the Ronald McDonald house. The Ronald McDonald house is a nonprofit that provides housing for families while they undergo treatment at local hospitals.
Sarah’s legacy is not just through the many values she embodies. She was also the spiritual matriarch of the Jewish people as one of the founders of our religion. Abraham was strongly devoted to God and Sarah saw this, and supported him. As Rabbi Goodman wrote, “Along with her husband, the Patriarch Abraham, Sarah was instrumental in teaching thousands of people about monotheism.” Today, we acknowledge Sarah’s contributions whenever we recite important prayers, like the Amidah. And because of the foundation Sarah laid, Judaism now stands on three pillars: Torah, avodah and gemilut hasadim. Today and always, we emulate Sarah.
Ally Hackner is a seventh-grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School.
