Shalom and Bracha!

  This Shabbat we read the portion of Chayei Sarah which begins with the passing of Sarah and the purchase of Ma’arat Hamachpelah (The cave of the patriarchs) in Chevron as her burial place. Thereafter the Torah describes the preparation for the marriage between Yitzchak and Rivkah. Rivkah was in Aram Naharayim, and since Hashem forbade Yitzchak to leave Israel, Avraham’s servant Eliezer was chosen to find him a suitable bride. The many miracles that occurred during his mission demonstrated to him that Rivkah was the intended bride and the matriarch of the Jewish people.

 
When Eliezer returned to Israel with Rivkah the Torah relates “Yitzchak brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother” and thereafter married her. Rashi explains that the words “the tent of Sarah his mother” teach us that when she came to their home, all of the blessings that had departed when Sarah passed on returned. During Sarah’s life, her Shabbat candles burnt from one Friday until the next. Upon Sarah’s passing, the miracle ceased and with Rivkah’s arrival it returned. During Sarah’s life, there was a blessing in the dough which returned with Rivkah. During Sarah’s life, there was a cloud (representing the Divine Presence) that rested upon the tent. It returned with Rivkah’s arrival. Upon witnessing these miracles, Yitzchak took her as his bride.

These three miracles were more than just a sign that Rivkah was the chosen. They teach us the three criteria for a Jewish home. The Shabbat candles illuminate. Burning throughout the week teaches us that the inspiration from Shabbat must illuminate the entire week. This applies to every Mitzvah. The Mitzvot are referred to as candles. They must guide and inspire us not only while fulfilling them, but rather until we fulfill them again.

The blessing in the dough was that even when one ate a small quantity, he was satiated. This came in the merit of Kosher in general and specifically the Mitzvah of Challah. What is the connection of Challah to satiation? The Mitzvah of Challah is to separate the first of the dough for Hashem. This reminds us that our possessions, and even the food we eat, are meant for a purpose and part of a divine plan. When I eat for pleasure, I am always hungry. When I eat to be healthy and thereby serve Hashem, I am satiated. When my possessions are to satisfy materialism, I am always wanting. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word evyon (destitute) literally means someone who desires rather than one who lacks. When I view my possessions as a means to live in the path of Hashem, I am content.

The cloud on the tent represents the Divine Presence. The presence of Hashem is both a great blessing and a great responsibility. Realizing Hashem’s immediate presence, we must cleanse our homes and our behavior of anything unfit. This is exemplified in the Mitzvah of family purity, the laws of Mikveh.

The Talmud teaches that these three Mitzvot mend the damage caused by the sin of Adam and Chava. This will lead to the perfected world we will enjoy with the coming of Moshiach!

Shabbat Shalom,

 Rabbi Biggs

Dedicated in Merit of Meir (Miro) ben David Qubrusi. May Hashem’s blessings Illuminate every step of his life and may he bring joy and pride to his family.

 

A Project of Chabad of Great Neck

400 East Shore Rd. Great Neck NY 11024

516 4874554 fax 516 4874807

---