Parashat Chaye-Sarah, Genesis 23:1 to 25:18

Our Torah portion is usually translated as the “life of Sarah,” but these opening verses actually deal with the death of the matriarch, Sarah. She is old in numbers, but the Midrash tells us that she is morally pure and has the strength of a younger woman. Abraham seeks to purchase a proper burial place for his beloved, namely the cave of Machpelah. Ephron, the son of Zohar, owns the land in Hebron. Abraham negotiates with him for the purchase price. After the burial, Abraham sends his trusted servant Eliezer back to his native land to find an appropriate wife for Isaac. The servant meets Rebekah and finds her willing to return to Canaan and become the son’s wife. Isaac marries Rebekah and he is comforted for the death of his mother.

Parashat Nitzavim-Va'yelech: Deuteronomy 29:9 to 31:30

Selichot Shabbat September 8, 2023 This Shabbat, proceeding Rosh Hashanah, includes two Torah portions for our reading. “Nitzavim,” is a…

Parashat Ki Tavo: Deuteronomy 26:1 to 29:8

Shabbat September 1, 2023 Our Torah portion addresses the time when the Israelites will settle in the land of Israel,…

Parashat Kee Tetzey: Deuteronomy 21:10 to 25:19

Shabbat 8/25/23 Our Torah portion continues the rules for the Israelites when engaged in warfare. “Kee tetzey,” when you go…