Sidrah
Chayei Sarah
“And Abraham was old, advanced in days, and the Lord had blessed Abraham with everything” Genesis 24:1
November 9, 2020 13:19
By, rebbetzin Lauren Levin
1 min read
“And Abraham was old, advanced in days, and the Lord had blessed Abraham with everything” Genesis 24:1
November 9, 2020 13:19ByRebbetzin Lauren Levin, rebbetzin Lauren Levin
Parashat Chayei Sarah begins with Sarah’s passing and ends with Abraham’s passing. In between is all about their legacy.
Immediately after Sarah’s burial, we are given the above line of introduction, as Abraham turns his attention to the next generation, finding a wife for Isaac. The biblical description of being “old, advanced in years” is not a description of age. It highlights a timely need for contemplation as to how one’s whole raison d’être can continue without them. The same phrase is used in the haftarah: “And King David was old, he came into his old age, and they covered him with clothes, but he was not warmed.”
Like Abraham, it is time for David to think about his legacy, naming an heir to avoid anarchy following his passing. Unlike Abraham, he is not blessed with physical strength at this time. The contrast between Abraham who was “blessed with everything’ and King David, who despite multiple garments could not maintain his body temperature, is poignant.
Where Abraham is proactive in seeking out a wife for Isaac, King David is passive. With rebellion looming, his wife Bathsheba takes control, persuading David to proclaim his heir and initiate a succession plan.
Abraham’s challenge was how ethical monotheism could continue as an eternal belief system and foundation for society. King David’s challenge was the perpetuation of the Davidic dynasty and preserving the unity of his family and the nation. King David’s story reminds us that not everyone is blessed with health and strength at the end of their days like Abraham. Yet the decisions he made with the help of supportive family and spiritual mentors are just as significant.
Every day in our prayers we reaffirm our commitment to passing on the legacy bequeathed to us from generation to generation. This fundamental principle, introduced to us through Parashat Chayei Sarah is what Rabbi Sacks (zichrono livrachah) calls “the Jewish castle”, saying: “As a child, I knew that one day, I would inherit it from my parents, as they inherited it from theirs. It is not a building but is, nonetheless, a home, a place in which to live.”
This week we also contemplate the enormous legacy Rabbi Sacks z”l has left through his teachings. May his wisdom, passion and faith continue through our commitment to actively build the Jewish castle.