B"H

Tuesday, Mar-Cheshvan 23, 5781 / November 10, 2020

This week’s Parsha, Chayei Sarah, begins with the passing of Sarah. This happened right after G-d tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Yitzchak), Sarah’s only child. Although only a test, it had a profound effect on Sarah and she passed away.

The Parsha tells how Abraham sends his trusted servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for Isaac.  The Torah relates in great detail how Rivkah was chosen to be a wife for Isaac. The Parsha tells about the passing of Abraham and ends with the passing of Abraham’s son, Ishmael.

Q.  How old was Sarah at the time of her passing? How old was Abraham when Sarah passed away?

A.  Sarah was 127. Abraham was ten years older than Sarah, thus he was 137.

Q.  Was Abraham related to Sarah before their marriage?

A.   Yes. Sarah was Abraham’s niece (his brother’s daughter).

Q.  How old was Isaac at the time of the Akeida (when he was brought as a potential sacrifice)?

A.  Isaac was thirty seven. Thus, the test of the Akeida was as much a test for Isaac as for Abraham.

Q.   How long did Abraham live?

A. 175 years. Abraham should have lived until 180. But because G-d promissed him that he will live to a good old age, G-d took him five years ealier, so he wouldn’t see his grandson, Esau’s, wickedness.

Q.  How long did Yishmael live?

A.  One hundred and thirty seven years.

Q.  How long did Isaac live?

A.  Isaac lived 180 years. Isaac lived the longest of the three patriarchs.

Q.  In addition to Yishmael and Isaac did Abraham have any other children?

A.  The Parsha tells us that after Sarah’s passing, Abraham took a wife, Keturah (some say it was Hagar), and had six sons. In total Abraham had eight sons. However, G-d told Abraham that His promise that from your seed will be a great nation, was intended for his son from Sarah, Isaac.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY