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Torah: Genesis 23:1 – 25:18
Haftarah: I Kings 1:1-31
Besorah: John 2:13–25
Cheshvan 22, 5785 | November 23, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Friends)!

This week we are looking at the Chayei Sarah Torah Portion (Genesis 23:1–25:18), and this portion is all about transitions and legacies. We begin with the passing of Sarah, one of the most remarkable figures in Scripture. Sarah wasn’t just Abraham’s wife; she was a matriarch, a woman of deep faith and strength who helped shape the story of God’s promises to His people.

Even though the portion starts with Sarah’s death, it’s called Chayei Sarah, meaning “The Life of Sarah.” That’s because her legacy lives on in every choice made after her passing. From Abraham securing a burial place in the Promised Land to Rebekah stepping into her role as the next matriarch, Sarah’s influence is undeniable. This portion reminds us that our actions and faith have a ripple effect far beyond our own lives.

You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!

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Chayei Sarah Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18

The portion begins with the passing of ​Sarah​ at the age of 127, marking the end of a chapter in the story of Abraham and Sarah’s journey. Sarah was not only the first matriarch of Israel but also a model of faith and resilience. Her life was filled with trials, from leaving her homeland to enduring years of barrenness, yet she remained steadfast in her trust in God’s promises.

Abraham mourns Sarah’s death and seeks to honor her by purchasing a burial site—the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron. This is significant because it marks the first time Abraham takes ownership of any part of the Promised Land.

The negotiation with the Hittites emphasizes Abraham’s respect and integrity, as he insists on paying the full price for the land. The Cave of Machpelah becomes a family burial site, symbolizing Abraham’s faith in God’s promise that his descendants would inherit the land.

After securing Sarah’s burial, Abraham shifts his focus to ensuring the future of his family. He sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, demonstrating his commitment to God’s covenant. The servant’s journey is guided by prayer and divine providence, leading him to ​Rebekah​, a woman whose actions reflect a heart of generosity and kindness. When she offers water to both the servant and his camels, it becomes clear that she is God’s chosen bride for Isaac.

Rebekah’s willingness to leave her family and travel to a new land mirrors the ​journey of Abraham​ and Sarah. She steps into her role as the next matriarch with courage and grace, becoming a key figure in the continuation of God’s covenant. The portion closes with the death of Abraham and a record of the generations of ​Ishmael​, showing that God’s promises to Abraham are unfolding for all his descendants.

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A Little Nugget: Chayei Sarah – The Life of Sarah

The name Chayei Sarah means “The Life of Sarah,” even though the portion begins with her death. This reflects a Jewish perspective that a person’s true legacy is not just in their lifespan but in the lives they impact. Sarah’s influence can be seen in Abraham’s faith, Isaac’s future, and Rebekah’s actions. Her life reminds us that our choices and values ripple through generations.

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Application: Building a Legacy of Faith

Sarah’s story challenges us to think about the legacy we’re building. How do our choices, faith, and actions shape the lives of others? This week, reflect on how you can create a legacy that inspires faith and courage in your family, friends, and community.

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Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31

The Haftarah recounts a pivotal moment in the transition of leadership as King David approaches the end of his life. David is frail, and the question of succession hangs in the balance. Adonijah, one of David’s sons, tries to seize the throne for himself, declaring his kingship without his father’s approval.

This could have led to chaos and division within the kingdom, threatening the covenantal promises tied to David’s lineage.

​Bathsheba​, Solomon’s mother, and Nathan the Prophet act decisively to ensure that God’s chosen successor, Solomon, ascends to the throne. Bathsheba approaches the ailing David, reminding him of his promise that Solomon would succeed him.

Nathan corroborates her appeal, exposing Adonijah’s attempt to take the throne. In response, David reaffirms Solomon’s kingship, preserving the covenant and ensuring the stability of the kingdom.

This story reflects themes of courage, wisdom, and the importance of standing for what is right, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Bathsheba and Nathan’s actions not only protect the covenantal promise but also demonstrate their commitment to God’s plans over personal ambition.

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A Little Nugget: Melech (מֶלֶךְ) – King

The Hebrew word melech, meaning “king,” carries profound significance in Jewish thought. A melech is not just a ruler; they are seen as a servant of God, responsible for guiding the people in righteousness and justice. The role of a king in Israel is tied to covenantal promises, and their actions must align with God’s will. This idea is vividly illustrated in David’s reaffirmation of Solomon as king, ensuring that the throne remains connected to God’s divine plan.

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Application: Courage in Upholding God’s Plans

Bathsheba and Nathan’s actions teach us the importance of stepping up when God’s plans are at stake. They didn’t let fear or uncertainty stop them from advocating for what was right. In our own lives, there are times when we’re called to stand for truth, protect what’s sacred, or uphold God’s purposes.

This week, reflect on where God might be calling you to show courage. Is there a situation where you need to advocate for righteousness or support someone stepping into a role God has called them to? Like Bathsheba and Nathan, we can make a difference by acting with faith, wisdom, and courage.

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Besorah: John 2:13-25

In this week’s Besorah, we see Yeshua cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem, a bold and striking act that reveals His passion for preserving the sanctity of God’s house. As Passover approaches, the Temple courts are filled with merchants and money changers, turning a sacred space of worship into a marketplace. Yeshua drives them out with a whip of cords, flipping tables, and declaring:

“Get these things out of here! Stop making My Father’s house a marketplace!”

John 2:16, TLV

This isn’t just about cleaning up a space. Yeshua’s actions highlight a deeper issue: the misuse of what is meant to be holy. The Temple is a place for connecting with God, and Yeshua’s zeal reminds us that worship should be focused on reverence and relationship, not profit or distraction. His actions also foreshadow His role as the ultimate “Temple,” the place where God and humanity meet.

When challenged by the authorities about His actions, Yeshua responds with a powerful statement:

“Destroy this Temple,” Yeshua answered them, “and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:19, TLV

While they misunderstand Him, thinking He’s referring to the physical Temple, Yeshua is speaking of His body and the coming resurrection. This moment shows us that Yeshua Himself is the cornerstone of worship, the one through whom we truly encounter God.

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A Little Nugget: Kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) – Holy

The Hebrew word kadosh means “holy” or “set apart.” Yeshua’s cleansing of the Temple reminds us of the importance of keeping what is kadosh—what is holy—free from corruption and distraction.

Holiness isn’t just about physical spaces like the Temple; it’s about our hearts and lives being set apart for God. Yeshua’s zeal for the Temple challenges us to examine how we treat what God has called holy, including our worship, relationships, and time.

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Application: Protecting Holiness in Our Lives

Yeshua’s actions ask us to reflect: Are there “marketplaces” in our own lives—things that distract us from true worship or clutter our connection with God? It could be misplaced priorities, unhealthy habits, or even distractions that take our focus off Him.

This week, take time to think about how you can protect the holiness of your relationship with God. Are there areas in your life where you need to clear out distractions or realign your focus? And just as Yeshua was passionate about keeping God’s house holy, how can you bring a sense of kadosh into your home, relationships, and daily worship?

If the idea of God’s dwelling place and its significance resonates with you, I invite you to explore my eBook, The New Jerusalem: Exploring God’s Eternal Promise from Prophecy to Fulfillment. This resource dives into the prophetic and scriptural insights about the New Jerusalem, offering a deeper understanding of God’s ultimate plan for His people.

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Connecting the Readings: Legacy, Leadership, and Sacred Spaces

The stories of Sarah, Rebekah, Bathsheba, and Yeshua remind us of the importance of protecting and building what is sacred. Whether it’s stepping into leadership, passing on faith to the next generation, or keeping our worship focused on God, these readings teach us to be intentional about the legacy we leave behind.

Reflection Questions on Chayei Sarah

1. How does Sarah’s life inspire you to think about the legacy you’re building?
2. Like Rebekah, are there new roles or responsibilities you feel called to take on? How can you embrace them with courage and faith?
3. What lessons can we learn from Bathsheba and Nathan about standing up for God’s plans during times of transition?
4. Yeshua’s actions challenge us to keep sacred spaces focused on God. Are there areas in your life that need to be re-centered on Him?
5. How can you carry forward the values of faith, hospitality, and strength that Sarah and Rebekah modeled?

NEW! Introducing: Hebrew Lesson for the Week!

Chaverim, I’m so excited to start something new with you—weekly Hebrew lessons! Hebrew is the language of the Bible, filled with layers of meaning that connect us deeply to God’s Word. Each letter is rich with symbolism, teaching us profound truths even in its smallest details.

Whether you’re new to Hebrew or just curious to learn more, these lessons will help you uncover the beauty and depth of the language. Let’s start at the very beginning with the first letter:

Aleph (א).

Aleph is a unique letter because, while it’s silent on its own, it holds deep meaning and symbolism in Jewish thought.

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The Basics of Aleph

Aleph is the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet and has a numerical value of 1, symbolizing oneness, unity, and the presence of God. Aleph also starts the word Elohim, one of the names of God, reminding us of His role as Creator and Master of the universe.

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How Aleph Is Formed

א

Aleph is constructed from smaller parts. It’s made up of:

• Two Yods (י): One at the top right and one at the bottom left.
• A Vav (ו): Positioned diagonally across the middle, connecting the two Yods.

Each of these smaller letters carries its own meaning:

• Yod (י): Represents a “hand,” symbolizing action and creation. The Yod at the top points to the heavenly, and the Yod at the bottom points to the earthly.
• Vav (ו): Represents a “hook” or connection, symbolizing the link between the heavenly and the earthly.

When these parts come together to form Aleph, they create a picture of unity between the divine and the human, the spiritual and the physical. Aleph, though silent, speaks volumes about God’s presence and our connection to Him.

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Spiritual Meaning of Aleph

The word Aleph comes from the root aluph, meaning “master” or “leader.” This reflects God as the ultimate Master and Leader of all creation. The silent nature of Aleph reminds us that some of the most profound truths about God are beyond words.

Aleph also begins key Hebrew words like:

• Emet (אמת): Truth
• Elohim (אֱלֹהִים): God
• Ahavah (אַהֲבָה): Love

These words highlight Aleph’s role in pointing us toward God’s character—truth, love, and divine leadership.

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A Fun Practice

Now that you’ve learned about Aleph, take a moment to look for it in Hebrew words or Scriptures. For example, Aleph is the first letter of Elohim (God) and Adam (man), reminding us that God’s image is within humanity. It’s also the first letter of Ani (I), showing how even the smallest letter ties back to our relationship with God.

By exploring Aleph, we start to see how even a single letter in Hebrew carries profound meaning. It’s not just a letter—it’s a lesson in God’s oneness, leadership, and connection with us.

Hebrew Course

If you’re excited to dive deeper into the beauty of Hebrew, we offer a self-paced Hebrew class designed to help you grow in your understanding of this incredible language. The course is flexible and includes assistance whenever you need it, so you’re never on this journey alone. As a special bonus, use the code HEBREW24 at checkout to receive a discount and get started today!

For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!

Kids Videos on YouTube!!

We now have fun music videos for kids on YouTube where we have songs about different biblical traits AND about the Bible and God’s love that young children can listen to with video to go along with it! I would love it if you would check it out, like, subscribe and share so we can get more biblical teachings out there for kids!

Here is one of our latest videos!

If you would like more teachings or want to explore our courses, visit our Besorah Learning Center! I just added a whole bunch of new devotionals (including some FREE ones), including a set for teens! 

We do also have a self-paced Basic Beginner’s Hebrew Course as well if you have been wanting to learn Biblical Hebrew! Use code HEBREW24 for 25% off!

Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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