Friday, Mar-Cheshvan 21, 5778 / November 10 2017

Parshat Chayei Sarah begins: "And the life of Sarah was one hundred and twenty and seven years, these were the years of the life of Sarah.  And Sarah died in Kiryat Arba, which is Hebron in the land of Canaan; and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her."

Abraham bought the "Ma'arat HaMachpeilah" - "The Double Cave," from Efron for 400 silver shekel and laid Sarah to rest there.  There are two reasons why the cave is called Ma'arat HaMachpeilah;

1) The cave consisted of two levels.

2) Four couples are buried there; Adam & Eve; Abraham & Sarah; Yitzchak (Isaac) & Rivkah, Yaakov (Jacob) & Leah. Abraham wanted this particular cave because Adam and Eve were buried there.

There are two Parshiot in the Book of Genesis which record the passing of a great person. This week's Parsha, Chayei Sarah, speaks about the death of Sarah, while Parshat Vayechi, the last Parsha in the Book of Genesis, tells about the death of Yaakov.

But contrary to the content of these Parshiot, which speak about the passing of Sarah and Yaakov, the names of both Parshiot emphasize life! This Parsha is "Chayei Sarah" (life of Sarah) and "Vayechi Yaakov" (Jacob lived).

Our sages explain that good people live on through the good deeds of their children who follow in their footsteps. Although Sarah died, was mourned by her husband and buried, the Parsha is called "Chayei Sarah" - "Life of Sarah" for in the spiritual and truest sense of things, she lives on.

The Talmud says that the M'arat HaMachpeilah, where our patriarchs and matriarchs (except Rachel) are buried, is one of three places in Israel whose Jewish ownership is indisputable.  In addition to being part of the land which G-d promised to the people of Israel, Abraham purchased it in a legal manner for 400 silver shekel.

On the lighter side: A very wealthy person died and bequeathed half of his estate to various charitable causes and the other half to his relatives. Many mourners and distinguished people came to the funeral. In their midst, the rabbi noticed a shabby looking stranger sobbing uncontrollably. After the funeral the rabbi went over to console the man.

"I noticed you weeping uncontrollably," said the rabbi.  "Were you related to the deceased?"

"No," replied the poor man, wiping his eyes. “So why were you crying so much?”

“That’s why I was crying!”

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 4:11 / Shabbat ends: 5:15