YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Chayei Sara
But it is the middle section of Chaye Sara – the 67-verse 24th chapter - that takes up most of its narrative. Here we are told the story of Avraham sending his servant Eliezer out to find a bride for Yitzchak; Eliezer’s successful quest for just the right girl, one who demonstrates both chesed & chutzpa; & the eventual marriage of Rivka to Yitzchak.
Back in Parshat Lech-Lecha, when Hashem promised great rewards to Avraham, he responded by saying: "What good is all You will give me, v’anochi holech ariri?! (seeing that I go "ariri") & my house steward is Eliezer."
The word "ariri" can mean "without an inheritor" (per Rashi), but I suggest it is also related to the word "arur – cursed;" (you simply have to substitute the Alef for the Ayin, a commonly-used homiletic device).
In other words, Avraham is indicating to Hashem that despite his material success, despite the multitudes of people that he has persuaded to believe in the One G-d – who, as his students, qualify as "his children" – he will consider himself cursed unless he is assured that his biological family will carry on his legacy after he is gone.
Waiting in the wings is Rivka. She is a strong woman, in many ways. She shows her physical strength by carrying a large jug of water – enough for Eliezer & his camels – on her shoulder. And she shows her moral strength when she stands up to her corrupt family & leaves with Eliezer; & later when she courageously rejects her own son Esav in favor of his brother Yakov, who she knows is the rightful heir to the family's spiritual legacy. (In this way, Rivka emulates Avraham, who bravely rejected Eliezer’s desire to have his own daughter marry Yitzchak).
Our Sedra began when Avraham arranged for his dear wife’s kivra, grave. But the letters of "kivra" can be rearranged to spell out "Rivka." For even as Avraham was tending to Sara’s funeral, Hashem was preparing a proper daughter-in-law who would take the reins & carry Am Yisrael forward into the future. Death led to Life.
One of the most controversial topics in the Jewish world today is that of "Who is a Jew?" Many answers to this query have been offered, but I prefer that of Rav Riskin: "A Jew is someone whose grandchildren are Jewish!"
That is the ultimate "Teshuva" to this most crucial question.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
