Chai Sarah – Life of Sarah

Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1 through Gen 25:18
Haftarah: 1Kings 1:1-31, 46
New Testament: Mat. 13: 24-50, John 4:35, Heb 11:6-19, Heb 13:6

Though our portion this week is curiously titled “Life of Sarah,” it gives few details other than her age at death in regard to the circumstances.  In Hebrew, the text reads that Sarah lived 100 years, 20 years, and 7 years.  The sages have deduced that at age 100 she was as beautiful as a 20-year-old and as innocent as a 7-year-old. In addition, over the centuries they invested much thought to the obvious question, how did Sarah die?  Because Sarah’s demise follows on the heels of the akeida [binding of Isaac], most believe that Sarah’s death was somehow attributed to it.

Vayera – He Appeared

Torah Portion: Genesis 18:1 through Gen 22:24
Haftarah: 2 Kings 4:1-37
New Testament: Acts 7:2-3, John 8:28-59, Jude 1:1-8, James 1:2-6

My spiritual children have wrestled this week with health issues, been harassed by neighbors, faced economic distress, and been interrupted and forced to intervene on behalf of family who have acted in ignorance.  If you have likewise been tested and tried this week, welcome to parsha Vayera!  But, the good news is, that in every instance, Vayera!   God was faithful, and “He appeared”!