Chayah Sarah (Sarah lived)
Gen.
23:1 - 25:18
This is thanksgiving weekend and as is our custom, many of us spend this
wonderful holiday with family. It is estimated that more people travel to be
with family at Thanksgiving more than at any other time of year. Some in
attendance today are perhaps visiting with relatives in
Our
Torah portion for this week is also about the importance of family. It begins
with the death and burial of Sarah and continues with the marriage of Isaac and
the remarriage of Abraham as well as the death of Abraham. Abraham placed great
value on his family relationships. The narrative about the death of Sarah and
her burial is something that many of us can relate to if you have had the
responsibility of making decisions about a loved one's funeral. When you care
deeply for a loved one, you are naturally concerned about where they are to be
buried and about all of the funeral arrangements. However, it is not only the
burial of Sarah that we find Abraham concerned about family issues. In chapter
25 Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his child of promise, Isaac.
Notice
that he instructs the servant to go to is hometown to find a wife. Although
Abraham obeyed the will of God and left his family and friends behind, he did
not forget about them. Not only does he remember them but he wants his son to
marry someone from there. Even in last week's torah portion we see the
importance of family in the life of Abraham. When he hears of the danger that
his nephew is in, he comes to the rescue. I think there is a valuable lesson to
be learned by observing the value that Abraham placed on family relationships.
As believers in Yeshua, there is sometimes a breakdown in family ties when we
become believers. Our relatives may shun us for our belief in Yeshua and
sometimes in our zeal to share the message of salvation with them we alienate
them and cause wounds that can take a long time to heal.
Just
as Abraham was called out but maintained good family relationships so it is
important that we not neglect our families as well. It is important that we do
our best to strengthen our family bonds - regardless of religious beliefs.
Remember that God is the one who convicts and saves. If they know that you are a
believer, they are reminded of it whenever they see you. You do not have to read
Isaiah 53 to them every time you see them! Open doors of communication come when
you strengthen your relationships.
Even
if there is no family strife, we can learn from this portion of Torah that we
should be thankful to God for the family that we have and be a good testimony by
visiting and appreciating our relatives.
Happy
Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom.