The name of the Fifth section / portion of the Book / Chumash of Genesis, is taken from its first words, “The life of Sarah” (Chaye Sarah in Hebrew) and begins with Sarah’s death and burial. When the news reached Sarah that Isaac was nearly sacrificed, the shock of his near loss coupled with the relief of his life being spared was too much for her to bear, and she died. Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah and the surrounding field from the Hittites for her burial grounds in Hebron.
Abraham said to the Hittites, “Allow me (to buy) a burial ground among you.” (23:4)
The Machpelah Cave is the burial site of Adam & Eve, the first human beings; as such, it originally belonged to humanity. In purchasing it, Abraham articulated G-d’s intention that the mission originally given to humanity as a whole now be passed on to the Jewish people. By accepting this task, the Jewish people were fundamentally separating themselves from the rest of humanity and assuming the role of its mentors. It is our challenge to recognise this destiny today as well.
With our continued prayers for a long-lasting peace in Israel together with Moshiach.