Chayei Sara - "Life Over Death"
Like Abraham, we must continue to choose life in the face of tragedy.
The ongoing situation in Gaza and its repercussions are deeply distressing, and it feels like there's no end in sight. The protests against Israel are growing louder and more belligerent, and, even more concerning, Jews are being attacked with unprecedented frequency. It is critical to demonstrate our solidarity and support, and I urge everyone who can make it to attend the Israel rally in Washington DC on Tuesday.
But beyond this urgent call to action, we are left to wonder: How do we cope with these challenging times? How do we find strength in the face of such adversity?
To find answers, we can turn to the teachings of Rabbeinu Yonah, who offers a unique perspective on the story of Abraham. He suggests that Abraham’s final and most important test was not the dramatic Binding of Isaac (the Akeida) we discussed in last week’s Parsha, but, rather, the initial event in this week’s portion, Chayei Sara: Abraham’s burial of Sarah. At first glance, this interpretation might seem puzzling. How could burying Sarah be deemed a greater accomplishment than the Akeida, which was a monumental test of faith and obedience?
As we said last year, the key to understanding Rabbeinu Yonah’s view lies in recognizing that seemingly minor, inconspicuous acts can be more significant than the most dramatic achievements. Incremental, daily improvements and consistent work in building character and relationships can have a much greater impact than ostensibly grand gestures. It is in these moments, when no one is watching, that we reveal our authentic selves. There are instances when undertaking monumental and dramatic gestures might be simpler than navigating the more nuanced challenges of daily life with integrity and good character.
This brings us to our Parsha’s title, which refers to Sarah’s death.
וַיִּהְיוּ חַיֵּי שָׂרָה מֵאָה שָׁנָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וְשֶׁבַע שָׁנִים שְׁנֵי חַיֵּי שָׂרָה׃
Sarah’s lifetime—the span of Sarah’s life—came to one hundred and twenty-seven years.
Interestingly, this week's Torah portion, marking the passing of Sarah, is named "Chayei Sarah" or "The Life of Sarah." This title reflects Abraham's response to Sarah's death—his commitment to embracing life even in the aftermath of her passing. Abraham's belief in life after death extended beyond a future existence; he also envisioned a meaningful life, inspired by the span of Sarah’s life, that would continue after her passing. This perspective sheds light on the Torah's detailed account of the negotiation for her burial plot. Abraham's unwavering conviction enabled him to face life post-tragedy, demonstrating patience and strength in overcoming the challenges of her burial. According to Rabbeinu Yonah, Abraham's persistent embrace of life, despite adversity, constituted his ultimate test.
This sheds light on a fundamental perspective of the Torah regarding our world. If we erroneously perceive this world merely as a transient path to the World to Come, a mere stepping stone, we risk treating this life as a tool devoid of inherent meaning. Conversely, if we believe that this life, even in its temporal and physical form, holds ultimate meaning and connection beyond our mere physical existence, we will find our time in this world to be a profoundly meaningful experience, shaping our individual identities. Recognizing that the physical world is our sole connection to that ultimate reality, Abraham grasped that life in this world presented the exclusive opportunity to manifest his authentic self. He understood that only in this life could he truly "go for himself" (לֶךְ־לְךָ), and that once someone transitions from this physical universe to the World to Come, that unique opportunity would no longer exist. Consequently, he wholeheartedly embraced even the minutiae of life with unwavering dedication.
It was Abraham's deep commitment to life that allowed him to celebrate existence even after Sarah’s passing and to recognize the significance of her burial plot, the first parcel of land he owned in the Land of Israel. This wisdom of appreciating life after death is woven into the fabric of the Jewish people. Throughout history, we have confronted death and destruction, yet with God's help, we have consistently persevered. Even more remarkably, emerging from these challenges, we have achieved much more than mere survival. At times, our accomplishments may not have been the ones we initially sought, but they are extraordinary nonetheless.
This concept underscores a stark contrast between the Jewish people and those who aim to annihilate us. Our enemies do not value life. Instead, they idolize and revere death, regarding this world as little more than a pathway to the afterlife. Conversely, the Jewish people hold a deep reverence for our physical existence in this world while also recognizing the richness of spiritual life beyond it. This is the deeper perspective reflected in our Parsha’s title when it characterizes the passing of Sarah as "the life of Sarah."
In these trying times, we must remain resilient, following the example of Abraham’s even-keeled behavior amid chaos. Despite the hardships, we need to embrace life, as Abraham did. We need to keep our composure, hold fast to our character, and remain steadfast to our values. And we also must remember that this situation is temporary. Life will ultimately spring forth from the depths of despair and the shadow of death.
We look forward to a peaceful future, full of the blessing of life, for Israel, the Jewish people, and the world.
Shabbat Shalom.