How Strange the Way of Providence: The Righteous Are Called Living
Our ancient sages raised two interesting questions about the very first verse of this week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah.
The Life of Sarah and the Immortality of Influence
Why is the parashah that speaks of Sarah's death known as Chayei Sarah – "The Life of Sarah"?
Deliberate Destiny
Different circumstances demand different paradigms of thought and action, and the Jewish people have advanced through history by fulfilling the action demanded by the moment. Even God's promised blessings only are achieved through human agency.
Blessing: Not a Zero-Sum Game
We've come to think of the twins Jacob and Esau as yin and yang, good guy and bad seed. But if we read the story with more sensitivity, we will note that neither character plays strictly to type. For political reasons, our tradition demonized Esau and elevated Jacob.
It Depends on How You Look at It!
I have always found the Abraham and Keturah story fascinating. At the end of this week's parashah, Chayei Sarah, we discover that Abraham has a life after Sarah dies: He marries Keturah.
Predestined to Fail
Our children will be guarantors. According to a midrash, that is the promise God exacted for giving the Torah to the Jewish people. God seemingly wanted to safeguard Jewish continuity through the fulfillment of decreed destiny. What a lovely concept!