This week's parasha is Chayei Sarah, meaning 'The Life of (the matriarch) Sarah' (there is a teaching that ascribes the tradition of lighting candles and baking challah to Sarah), even though the parasha opens with her death! Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron as a burial place for her*, and when he dies (at the end of this week's parasha), he, too is buried there**. The Torah's first use of the word 'love' appears in Chayei Sarah as we are told, in some detail, that Isaac loved Rebecca (also in this parasha). Can we find a connection between these emotions connected with love and loss, of comfort and healing? A hint is found in the title itself. Sarah's legacy continued long after her physical life ended.

A kavannah for candlelighting Shabbat Chayei Sarah

As our mother, Sarah, tended the sacred flame in her day, may I, too, be an instrument for keeping the flame burning in my own time; may how I live my life be a reflection of the legacy that I wish to leave.

On Thanksgiving, as the generations of our families gather around the table, whether physically or via memory, it's good to remember that the original American Thanksgiving was based on our festival of Sukkot - a time of giving thanks for our bounty and the many blessings in our lives. In good times as well as times of despair, our tradition teaches that it is good to count our blessings and express our gratitude...and a wonderful way to express gratitude is to share our love and be a blessing to others. 

In these challenging times, we search for a take-away message, something practical and useful that we can do. Let's work together to strengthen that which those who want to harm us seek to destroy. Let's increase our learning and acts of chesed/lovingkindness and remember that each of us is a mini-sanctuary and contains a piece of the Divine spirit within. Commit to supporting our community with your presence and by sharing the opportunity with others - you'll find comfort and inspiration and a lot more! Do it for yourself, and also do it because of our mutual obligations to one another. Your choices matter. As we've talked about many times before, we have a mission not to maintain the status quo but to selflessly increase light in the world. Let's demonstrate to our children that when times are difficult, we rise to the challenge and affirm not just life, but the values of that life. We may start individually, but ultimately must do this work together. 

 

Blessings for a Shabbat full of shalom,

 

Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman

*   A midrash teaches that the Cave of Machpelah is the entrance way to Paradise.
**  As are Isaac and Rebecca and Jacob and Leah. The Cave of Machpelah is a holy site still in existence today!