From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, November 22/23, 2024/21/22 Cheshvan 5785
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
The Torah portion contains the death and burial of Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah. Abrahams sends his servant Eliezer in search of a wife for Isaac. Eliezer prays to G-d for assistance in his search, and Eliezer finds Rebekah, whom Isaac chooses to be his wife. The death of Abraham, who is buried next to Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah. There is also a list of descendants of Ishmael.
When Sarah hears about the action of Abraham going to kill their son, Isaac, she dies. Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah and the land in the area of Hebron. All patriarchs and matriarchs except Rachel are buried there, and Joseph.
The choice of a wife or an arranged marriage was common practice in ancient times and this practice is still happening around the world. The Jewish woman does have a voice not to marry the intended bridegroom, which may not be the practice of other faiths.
Rebekah showed the value of kindness to the stranger, Eliezer and to all his animals.
She gave water to all the camels. The desert has cisterns and water is drawn up from these deep wells of water. Camels do not drink often, however when they do drink it is a huge task. Rebekah also displayed her sensitivity to and compassion towards animals. For all the animal loving people know to feed and give water to their animals first and then they may eat their meals. If a person is so caring for an animal, then this individual is that much more compassionate towards people, too.
Do you know why the afternoon prayers are the shortest of the three daily prayers?
It comes from this Torah portion and Isaac going into the field to mediate
(Genesis 24:63). Isaac was not just mediating and communing with nature, but was praying, for he had instituted the tradition of the Mincha afternoon prayer service
(Talmud Berachot 25a). The afternoon prayer is to refresh and take a pause in the middle of the day. It gives one the opportunity to also that G-d for the blessings of life.
Michael was a furrier in New York City and there were many observant Jews that were in that industry. They had a building converted into the “Fur Industry Shul” where all Jews could worship in the afternoon!
How many of us living in this beautiful area take a moment to look around at nature and say “WOW” it is so serene? This area is also noted for our beautiful rainbow, and there is a prayer for the rainbow! The animals, birds, and flowers one takes notice of, even those that bike, run or walk. Take a moment and pause…say a blessing okay “WOW” will do!
May we continue to pray for Israel and Ukraine that are still fighting. May peace come speedily to these nations and their people.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
A special announcement from me about the ICL who has changed their policy and I turned in my resignation. I am not teaching or affiliated with the Institute of Continued Learning at Utah Tech University.
My artwork may be seen in the Red Cliffs gallery “Gifts of Art” show!
