Parsha Chayei Sarah
November 15, 2025/24 Cheshvan 5786
Greetings friends:
This week’s parsha, amongst other things, shows the importance of counting our blessings. As Abraham gets “well on in years” the Midrash states that the plural word (days) refers to the earning of life both in this world and the next. The Torah states that “G-d blessed Abraham with everything.” What does it mean “everything?” Everything can mean a lot, and we have already learned that he achieved greatness in both the earthly and heavenly spheres.
The Midrash offers a few explanations for what is meant by this additional blessing. One opinion is that Abraham had a daughter. This enabled him to complete the mitzvah of “be fruitful and multiply” which requires both a son and daughter. I personally can speak to the greatness of having daughters, whether it is running with my daughter Shoshana, museums and Broadway with my daughter Shira, and playing Barbies and ponies with Tzipora (which apparently, I am very good at). While I love that explanation, it is notable that if Abraham had a daughter, she is never named, and who would she have married as Abraham clearly would not have let her marry amongst the Canaanites, as he proceeds to go through great lengths to ensure Isaac does not.
Another opinion is that Abraham was blessed with three aspects of tranquility. The first was triumph over his evil inclination. This is something that can come with age as desires wane but more often comes from wisdom and experience. Second, he also witnessed his children doing well, including Ishmael repenting during his lifetime, and setting Isaac up to be married. Lastly, he achieved financial independence, ensuring there was always food on the table.
This made me think about this past Shabbos, recognizing how blessed we are as a community. We have community members with a vast range of experiences and backgrounds. Our discussions during lectures are deep and meaningful. Many of our congregation are Veterans. As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, let’s be thankful to them for the freedom we have to practice our faith. We have children coming to shul (about half of them mine LOL), a preschool in session with upcoming events, and with plans to restart Hebrew School soon. And we always have food on the kiddush table (and coffee, please don’t forget the coffee). So as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s offer thanks for all our communal blessing while recognizing our challenges and working together to achieve greatness in both worlds.
See you on Shabbos,
Rabbi Josh
This week’s parsha, amongst other things, shows the importance of counting our blessings. As Abraham gets “well on in years” the Midrash states that the plural word (days) refers to the earning of life both in this world and the next. The Torah states that “G-d blessed Abraham with everything.” What does it mean “everything?” Everything can mean a lot, and we have already learned that he achieved greatness in both the earthly and heavenly spheres.
The Midrash offers a few explanations for what is meant by this additional blessing. One opinion is that Abraham had a daughter. This enabled him to complete the mitzvah of “be fruitful and multiply” which requires both a son and daughter. I personally can speak to the greatness of having daughters, whether it is running with my daughter Shoshana, museums and Broadway with my daughter Shira, and playing Barbies and ponies with Tzipora (which apparently, I am very good at). While I love that explanation, it is notable that if Abraham had a daughter, she is never named, and who would she have married as Abraham clearly would not have let her marry amongst the Canaanites, as he proceeds to go through great lengths to ensure Isaac does not.
Another opinion is that Abraham was blessed with three aspects of tranquility. The first was triumph over his evil inclination. This is something that can come with age as desires wane but more often comes from wisdom and experience. Second, he also witnessed his children doing well, including Ishmael repenting during his lifetime, and setting Isaac up to be married. Lastly, he achieved financial independence, ensuring there was always food on the table.
This made me think about this past Shabbos, recognizing how blessed we are as a community. We have community members with a vast range of experiences and backgrounds. Our discussions during lectures are deep and meaningful. Many of our congregation are Veterans. As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, let’s be thankful to them for the freedom we have to practice our faith. We have children coming to shul (about half of them mine LOL), a preschool in session with upcoming events, and with plans to restart Hebrew School soon. And we always have food on the kiddush table (and coffee, please don’t forget the coffee). So as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s offer thanks for all our communal blessing while recognizing our challenges and working together to achieve greatness in both worlds.
See you on Shabbos,
Rabbi Josh
