Parashat Chayyei Sarah

Summary

The matriarch Sarah dies, and Abraham negotiates with the Hittites for a burial plot. He purchases the cave of Machpelah in Hebron. He then sets about making plans for the next generation, starting with acquiring a wife for Isaac. Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, is sent by his master to Aram-Naharaim, where his brother Nahor lives, to see if he can find a suitable bride. He finds one, in the person of Rebekka.

Commentary by Rabbi Janet Burden of Ealing Liberal Synagogue & West Central Liberal Synagogue

Rebekka is my personal favourite of all the matriarchs, and has been ever since I was a child. When I was little, I was entranced with the romance of the story. But as I have studied this text as an adult, I have found much more in it, and particularly in her character.

The first thing that sets Rebekka apart is her generosity of spirit. She takes pity on the tired stranger and his animals, extending hospitality and kindness to them. Her behaviour is reminiscent (I think quite intentionally) of that of Abraham. Think back for a moment and recall what he did for the three strangers who come to his tent. This is the story that opened last week’s parashah, Vayyera. Unbeknownst to Abraham, these strangers were angels who had come to foretell the birth of Isaac. To him, they were nothing more than desert nomads like himself. The story relates how Abraham ran, instructing Sarah to make cakes, fetching milk and curd, slaughtering and dressing a calf - in short, doing everything he could to make a great feast.

In our present story, we see that like Abraham, Rebekka far exceeds what the customs of hospitality would require. Watering a train of ten camels was no small feat - one would do most of us in! And she sets about her task with the same alacrity we saw with the patriarch. When asked if there might be room in her father’s house for the guest, she assures him that both he and his animals will be well cared for. She consistently goes beyond what he has asked. At this final sign, Eliezer knows that his prayers have been answered, and he falls down in gratitude for the help of God in finding her.

Other details also show us that Rebekka is a strong woman. Her family realise that the match has been ordained by God and agree to it in principle. Nonetheless, they take no action without confirming Rebekka’s acceptance. When asked if she would go with Eliezer - off to a strange land and an unknown future - she responds with one word, “Elech,” “I will go.” At this, the party sets out, virtually immediately, despite her family’s previous efforts to delay her possible departure.

Later on in the story, we will see how she takes decisive action to shape the future of her family, and by extension, the Jewish people. She is unwilling to just sit back and watch things unfold. You may not agree with her actions, but there is no question that she thinks for herself and acts on what she believes to be right. How many of us struggle as hard as she did to do the same?

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