Chayei Sarah – Page 15 – Peninim on the Torah

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…

Home -> 5751 -> Chayei Sarah

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…

Home -> 5751 -> Chayei Sarah

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…

Home -> 5751 -> Chayei Sarah

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…

Home -> 5751 -> Chayei Sarah

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…

Home -> 5751 -> Chayei Sarah

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…

Home -> 5756 -> Chayei Sarah

Sruly Schnair In Chayei Sarah, 5756

“And I asked her and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’… and I put … and the bracelets on her hands.” (24:47)

Eliezer set out on his journey to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak. His trust in Hashem was so strong that he implored Him to give him a clear sign indicating the worthy girl. No sooner had he completed his request of Hashem than Rivkah entered the scene and demonstrated the very sign that Eliezer had asked of Hashem. Secure in his belief that she was the right girl, Eliezer did not ask to discuss her family background. Rather, he proceeded to bestow upon her the jewelry that had been set aside for Yitzchak’s kallah. Only afterwards did Eliezer question…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Chayei Sarah ->

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

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

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

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

“And I asked her and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’… and I put … and the bracelets on her hands.” (24:47)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!