Weekly D'rash Chayei Sarah

This week’s Torah portion brings us to a transition. Abraham and Sarah die, and we read about the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. We also read the beginning of the story of Jacob. In the Jewish world we like to say dor l’dor (i.e., from generation to generation). Beginning with Abraham and Sarah, the calling of Israel has always been dependent on future generations. The whole book of Genesis can be read as a genealogy articulating the promise and fulfillment of the generations of mankind in general, and the generations of Israel in particular.

Over the past few weeks we have read about Abraham’s concern that he was getting old without a son. He was aware of the need for descendants. God provided a ‘son of promise’ in Isaac. This week we read about the birth of Jacob and Esau. The calling of God always requires future generations. But it is not only about the physical act of having children. What is most important is raising children with a vision for their lives in serving God.

In the Jewish community, the idea of dor l’dor is that there is always hope. Regardless of what happens to our generation, there is a future generation to inherit the calling and promises. As Messiah followers, we also must realize that the hope for the future is not only what happens to us in our lifetime. There will be others after us who will carry the torch, identify with Yeshua, and continue the good work of God.

How does that happen? One way is by raising our own children to know the Messiah. A second way is by pouring ourselves into children and younger adults that they may grow and then strengthen others. We see this demonstrated in the words of Paul to Timothy: “Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Messiah Yeshua. And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will be capable to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1–2).

We like to say that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. The calling of the Jewish people did not end with Abraham. The calling of Messiah followers did not end with the apostles! All succeeding generations are built on the shoulders of previous generations. Future generations are built on us! May we inculcate the centrality of Messiah Yeshua and a way of life that glorifies God to younger generations.

Finally, a third way is to share the Good News of Messiah Yeshua with others. The Messianic Jewish movement is dependent on Jewish people embracing the Messiah. May we be praying and taking every opportunity to share the message of Messiah with others—just as we heard it from someone. Beth Messiah’s future is not only dependent on future leadership and infrastructure, but on the blessing of God as we are faithful to raise our children in the faith, pour ourselves into younger people, and share the Good News of Messiah Yeshua!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard