Chayei Sarah – Peninim on the Torah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master” (Haftara)

“A son honors his father, this refers to Eisav who honored his father very much” (Midrash Rabba). When Chazal choose to describe the essence of the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents, they adopt Esov’s performance as the epitome of observance of this mitzvah. They teach us that the honor Eisav showed his parents was so superior, that in its merit alone he nearly superceded Yaakov. If so, we may ask how could Eisav have remained so wicked? Does one not better himself through the performance of mitzvos? Why is this mitzvah so commonly found among people who otherwise place so…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“Because Avrohom listened to My voice, and guarded that which I gave in his charge, My commandments, My laws, and My teachings. (26:5)

The Sforno comments, that although the Zechus Avos (merit of our ancestors) is a fundamental concept of Judaism, it is only invoked regarding Yitzchok. Among the three Avos, Avrohom had to develop his own merits, while Yaakov like his grandfather, proclaimed the name of Hashem and taught it to others. Yitzchok however, being the Olah Temimah “perfect sacrifice” was very special and practiced his faith in private and never had the opportunity to instill and imbue others with the belief in Hashem. He therefore needed his ancestors merit for his own preservation. This was only before he was inspired to…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

And Eisav said, “Behold I am going to die, what use then is the birthright to me?” (25:32)

Rashi explains that Eisav asked Yaakov questions regarding the nature of the service in the Beis Hamikdash. Upon hearing the many warnings, punishments, and potential for capitol punishment, he responded by saying. “What do I need the birthright for if I’m going to die through it, why bother with it altogether?” Why then does the Torah declare that Eisav despised the birthright? On the contrary, the reason he was reluctant to accept it was due to the overwhelming responsibilities associated with this service. According to Rashi‘s explanation, we learn that one must enter into Hashem’s service knowing full well…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“And Eisav was a cunning hunter, a man of the fields, and Yaakov was a perfect man dwelling in tents.” (25:27)

Eisav was a hunter, while Yaakov was a shepherd. There is a great difference between these two vocations. The difference is in motivation which eventually resulted in a difference in consequence. Since Eisav sought independence, he chose a calling which took him away from home allowing him the opportunity to live his life as he wished. Eisav developed traits of instability and violence, since he was never available for instruction and guidance by his parents or teachers. Yaakov however, preferred the occupation of a shepherd which enabled him to remain with his parents. While attending his father’s flocks he was…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“And these are the days of the years of Avrohom’s life, which he lived, a hundred years, and seventy years, and five years.” (25:7)

There is an apparent redundancy in the wording of this posuk “days of the years“. It would suffice to have written “the days of Avrohom’s life”, or “the years of Avrohom’s life” since days are obviously included in the years of one’s life. We must therefore distinguish between the term “length of days and years” and “length of years”. One who has been worthy of length of days and years is one whose every day has been exemplary, spent in serving Hashem. Contrary to this is the person whose days are squandered without any sense of accomplishment. Although he has…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“And it will be that the maiden to whom I shall say…she is the one that has been appointed for your servant, for Yitzchok.” (24:14)

Rabbi Chaim Vital Zt”l writes: Although character traits are not included in the 613 commandments, they are the basic determinants in the fulfillment of the mitzvos. Negative character traits are much worse than transgressions themselves, since these character flaws will cause one to continually sin. However, one who possesses positive character traits will readily perform the mitzvos. When Eliezer was sent to find a suitable mate for Yitzchok, his priority was to evaluate the girl’s character. He prayed to Hashem to make his mission successful. Rivka was chosen as a wife for Yitzchok only after she passed a test designed…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“And Hashem blessed Avrohom with everything.” (24:1)

The simple meaning of this posuk is that Avrohom sensed Hashem’s blessing in everything that he owned. There are people who are wealthy, but who derive no blessing from their fortune since they have neither satisfaction nor enjoyment from their possessions. They are driven by an unquenchable desire to acquire yet a greater fortune. Avrohom, was blessed with all that he possessed precisely because he sensed Hashem’s blessing in everything, never longing for anything. Regarding the posuk in Tehilim (34:10) “Those who seek Hashem will not lack any good”, the Shl”a notes that the implication of this posuk is not…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5751

“And Avrohom bowed down before the people of the land” (23:12)

Avrohom returns from his most difficult test, the Akeidas Yitzchok, only to find that his beloved wife Sarah has died. Imagine the torment when he learns that it will cost him a small fortune to provide a proper burial for his wife. This moment is the greatest test of Avrohom’s self control, for although he is deep in his pain and anguish, he nevertheless displays great manners courage and self control in dealing with Efron and the Bnei Cheis. “The actions of the forefathers are a sign for the children” (Ramban). From Avrohom’s action we see that no matter what…

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“A son honors his father, and a servant his master” (Haftara)

“Because Avrohom listened to My voice, and guarded that which I gave in his charge, My commandments, My laws, and My teachings. (26:5)

And Eisav said, “Behold I am going to die, what use then is the birthright to me?” (25:32)

“And Eisav was a cunning hunter, a man of the fields, and Yaakov was a perfect man dwelling in tents.” (25:27)

“And these are the days of the years of Avrohom’s life, which he lived, a hundred years, and seventy years, and five years.” (25:7)

“And it will be that the maiden to whom I shall say…she is the one that has been appointed for your servant, for Yitzchok.” (24:14)

“And Hashem blessed Avrohom with everything.” (24:1)

“And Avrohom bowed down before the people of the land” (23:12)

YEARS

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