A Word From The Rabbi
Dear Friend,
As 80-year-old Benny lies on his deathbed, the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafts up the stairs. He gathers his remaining strength, lifts himself from his bed, and slowly inches his way along the wall towards the door. With great effort he makes his way downstairs, holding tightly to the rail, propelled by thoughts of his favorite cookie.
Finally, breathing hard, he leans against the kitchen door frame and stares inside. "I’m already in heaven," he thinks, as there, spread out before, are hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
"Am I really in heaven?" he asks himself, "Or is it an act of devotion from my darling Rebecca to ensure that I exit from this world a happy man?"
He reaches out a shaky hand, all senses focused on the wondrous taste he will soon experience…
Without warning, Rebecca smacks his hand with her wooden spoon. "Don't touch them!" she says, "They're for the shiva!"
This week's Torah portion is named "Chayei Sarah" - "The Life of Sarah" - in honor of our matriarch Sarah, and yet it does not actually discuss her life, just her death.
Death is, in fact, an extension of life: the manner in which we choose to live our lives will determine the legacy we leave here in this world after our passing.
Our sages say that a righteous person is even more “alive” posthumously than they were while alive. What does this mean? How is it possible?
Clearly, they were not referring to the soul which returns to heaven, or the body which returns to the earth. What they were referring to is the influence and legacy which remains behind, on earth, with the living. This influence becomes magnified and far greater than it was previously.
Sarah, a truly righteous prophetess and matriarch, left a legacy of faith, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her husband, Abraham and to her son, Isaac. She has become an inspiration to women of every subsequent generation. Long after her passing, it was still clearly "Chayei Sarah" – "the life of Sarah."
Let's learn from Sarah and internalize the message of this week’s portion to create a living legacy for future generations.
Wishing you a successful week,
Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director