Today’s d’var Torah is dedicated to the memory of my father, Henry Goldwasser, Zicron L’vracha on his fourth Yahrzeit, this Shabbat.
This week’s Torah portion is Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18). It begins with the death of Sarah at age 127 and Abraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as her burial site. Abraham then sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, who ultimately returns with Rebecca. The parasha closes with Abraham’s own passing and his burial beside Sarah.
Chayei Sarah is often translated as “The Life of Sarah,” though it actually begins with her death. This paradox invites us to reflect on legacy: the Torah does not recount Sarah’s daily routines, but instead marks the impact of her life in the actions taken after her death. Through the acts of love and commitment—Abraham’s quest for a proper place to honor her memory and his efforts to secure Isaac’s future—Sarah’s influence endures.
The negotiation for Sarah’s burial cave is among the first recorded land acquisitions in the Torah, demonstrating Abraham’s respect for the people around him and his insistence on conducting affairs with transparency and dignity. This act of public negotiation models integrity in how we interact with others, especially during vulnerable moments.
When Abraham entrusts his servant to find a wife for Isaac, he seeks a partner rooted in values of kindness. Rebecca’s willingness to draw water for a stranger and his camels is a gesture of extraordinary generosity, showing that the chain of covenant continues through acts of open-heartedness and hospitality.
Chayei Sarah teaches us that the measure of a life well-lived is found not merely in our own deeds, but in the enduring love, values, and commitments we inspire in others. May we, too, strive to cultivate legacies of compassion, justice, and faith that live on long after us.
