The name of this week’s Torah portion, “Chayei Sarah,” means, “The Life of Sarah.” It is ironic that a portion whose title promises to be about Sarah’s life really begins with her death – which we learn about in the second verse. We are left with the idea although Sarah has died, what happens in this portion is significant in reflecting on the legacy of her life.

After these two important first verses, Chayei Sarah includes two stories, both of which help us interpret that legacy. First, Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial, and eventually his own. This establishes the Jewish people’s first holding in the Land of Israel. Then, Abraham’s servant is sent to find a wife for their son, Isaac, which in turn provides for the continuation of the family and the Jewish people. So, Sarah’s legacy can be understood through the lens of securing the future for the generations to come.

Another important aspect of Sarah’s legacy may be shown by the dramatic story through which Rebecca is found as a wife for Isaac.  Abraham’s servant resolves that he will use a test. The first woman who, when he asks her for a drink of water at the well, offers water not only to him but also to his camels, will be the one he asks to marry Isaac. Then, the servant encounters Rebecca. He asks her for water. Rebecca responds, “Drink, sir.” And she continues, “I will draw water for your camels, too, till they are done drinking.” She passes the test, the match is made, and she and Isaac are married.

The legacy of Sarah’s life is about caring today for generations to come. And, it is also about extending ourselves in multiple ways: beyond our simple obligations, to doing more; beyond our own needs to the needs of others; and beyond caring for our own family, to serving our community.

This coming Wednesday, which is Veterans Day, we will honor all who have served in our military. That afternoon, we are inviting our Temple’s veterans and military personnel to the Rodef Café, to have pie, share memories and be together, celebrating the same value of self-sacrifice that was central to the life of our matriarchs, Sarah and Rebecca, and celebrating the devotion to the well-being of others that is essential to Judaism as well as America. We’ll also share a blessing for Veterans Day at Bo’i Shabbat tomorrow evening. I hope you can join us!

With thanks to our veterans and all currently serving, and wishes of a Shabbat Shalom to all,
Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe