Rabbi Asher Vaknin
D’var Torah
The Torah portion Chayei Sarah (“The Life of Sarah”) is full of deep lessons about faith, kindness, honesty, and the meaning of continuing life’s purpose even after loss. Although the portion begins with the death of Sarah, it teaches that her spirit and her way of life continue through her family and their actions.
Below are five main ideas from Chayei Sarah, each explained with inspiring stories that show how we can live by these values.
Abraham’s Faith in a Time of Loss – Finding Strength through Belief
The portion begins with the death of Sarah, Abraham’s beloved wife. The Torah says, “Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” But immediately afterward, Abraham stands up and begins to arrange her burial. Instead of sinking into sadness, he takes action with faith and dignity. This shows us that even in times of pain, we can move forward with trust in God.
A touching story that shows this idea is about Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, the head of the Mir Yeshiva. During the Holocaust he lost almost everything—his students, friends, and family—but he refused to give up. After the war, he rebuilt the yeshiva in Israel from nothing. When someone asked him how he had the strength, he said, “Abraham stood up after Sarah’s death and continued his mission. So must we.” This teaches us that faith gives us the power to rise from pain and to continue doing good even when life feels broken.
The Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah – Standing for Honesty and Respect
After Sarah’s death, Abraham wants to buy a burial place for her. The people of the land offer to give him a place for free, but Abraham insists on paying full price: “Four hundred shekels of silver, current money.” This story teaches us about honesty, integrity, and respect. Abraham could have accepted a gift, but he wanted everything to be done fairly and openly.
There’s a similar story about Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, the founder of the Mussar (ethics) movement. Once his son brought him bread from a new bakery, saying it was given as a free gift. Rabbi Salanter refused to eat it, saying, “Maybe the bakery hasn’t yet paid its workers properly. I cannot enjoy food that may come from injustice.” Like Abraham, he showed that true righteousness means being completely honest and fair in all dealings, even when no one else would know.
Eliezer’s Mission to Find a Wife for Isaac – Faith and Trust in Divine Guidance
Abraham sends his faithful servant Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac. This is not just a simple task—it’s a holy mission. Eliezer prays to God: “Please make something happen before me today and show kindness to my master Abraham.” He asks that the right woman will be the one who offers water not only to him but also to his camels. This prayer shows deep faith and trust in God’s guidance.
Eliezer’s prayer is answered when he meets Rebecca (Rivkah), who acts with kindness and generosity. This story teaches us that success comes when we combine effort with faith. A modern example is Rabbi Aryeh Levin, known as “the Tzaddik of Jerusalem.” When he visited prisoners or the sick, he always said, “I don’t know what to say to them. I just ask God to give me the right words.” Like Eliezer, he believed that true success in helping others comes from prayer and humility.
Rebecca’s Kindness – Being Judged by Actions, Not by Background
When Eliezer meets Rebecca, he doesn’t ask her who she is or what family she comes from. He watches what she does. Rebecca runs to give water to a stranger and then to his thirsty animals, without being asked twice. This act of kindness shows her true character and proves she is the right one for Isaac. The Torah teaches that goodness is shown through actions, not just words or family name.
A story that reflects Rebecca’s kindness is about Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Once, unexpected guests came to her home, and she welcomed them warmly. When they apologized for arriving without notice, she said gently, “If someone comes to our home, it means God sent them.” Like Rebecca, she saw every person as a gift from God and treated them with kindness. The lesson is that kindness should be natural, sincere, and without expectation of reward.
The Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca – Continuing the Blessing through Generations
At the end of the portion, we read, “Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother, and he took Rebecca as his wife, and he loved her.” The tent of Sarah, which symbolized light, holiness, and peace, is now filled again with that same spiritual warmth. This shows that Sarah’s life continues through Rebecca—the next generation. The message is that faith and love can be passed down from one generation to the next when people build their homes on kindness and belief in God.
There’s a story about a young couple who lived very simply and had little money. Yet every time they earned something, they would first give charity before spending on themselves. They said, “We want our home to stand on kindness.” Years later, their children said that what kept their family strong and happy was seeing their parents’ faith and generosity. Like Isaac and Rebecca, their love and faith built a home filled with blessing.
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The Torah portion Chayei Sarah teaches that the true “life of Sarah” did not end with her passing—it continues through the faith, honesty, and kindness of those who follow her path. Abraham shows us strength in loss; Eliezer teaches faith and trust; Rebecca embodies kindness and pure action; and Isaac and Rebecca together show how love and faith can build a future.
Every one of us can live “the life of Sarah” by acting with integrity, faith, and kindness in our daily lives. When we live this way, we continue the legacy of our ancestors and bring light and blessing to the world—just as Sarah’s light continues to shine through every generation.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Asher Vaknin
BJCC Rabbi of the Bukharian Youth
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