Chayei Sarah (The Life of Sarah) Genesis 23:1 – 25:18

In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham’s servant searches for a wife for Isaac. We read of his encounter with Rebecca at the well three times: as the servant is praying, as it happens, and as the servant recounts the tale to Rebecca’s family. Why is this story told three times? The sages tell us that sometimes, more can be learned from the conversation of the patriarchs and matriarchs than from the depths of the later writings of the Torah.

Though the details of the story may seem mundane, they indicate who the patriarchs are and what they will become. Life is found in these moments and details. Every moment counts, even those spent waiting for someone to draw water.

Shabbat Shalom!

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