Open. Share. Detach.

The life and times of Sarah our Matriarch. Sarah, the wife of Abraham and, so-to-speak, the co-founder of Judaism, should be, at first glance, the protagonist of this weeks Torah Portion, Parshat Chayei Sarah.

The title of the Parshah includes her name and its literal translation means the “Life of Sarah.” One would be foolish to assume that anyone other than the Mother of our People populated this week’s highlight reel.

When reading the Parsha a classic question arises: Why is the Parshah entitled “The Life of Sarah?” First she died. Then she was buried. Then Abraham sends off his servant to find Rebeccah to be Isaac’s wife and step-in as Matriarch of the Jewish people. Then he marries Keturah, seemingly replacing Sarah. Then Abraham dies, ending their reign. Then Yishmael, who Sarah had removed from her house is discussed.

This seems to be anything but the “Life” of Sarah!

You see, In this Parshah, the Sarah’s message really shines forth. Sarah, in her role in molding the Jewish Nation, saw something Abraham did not: The necessity to close off to the outside world. The need to be insular at times.

Sarah knew that the family that she and Abraham had created would grow to be a major influence in the world, through Isaac, her only son. She prepared Isaac to lead the Jewish people and take them to the next level.

Abraham in his way, always had the door open to the outside. We’ve all heard of Abraham’s famous four-door tent. Sarah on the other hand, saw the importance of protecting Isaac from deleterious influence.

Sarah protected Isaac, whatever it took. When Yishmael proved to be a bad influence, Sarah had him - and even his mother - sent away. Later, even after Sarah died, Abraham sent his six additional sons from his wife, Keturah, away - with all of their off-springs! - as to not allow them to influence Isaac either.

And at the end of the Parsha, we even see that Yishmael, even after being sent away, comes to terms with the fact that it is indeed Isaac, and not him, that will continue the great nation Abraham was meant to be. Yishmael heeds Sarah’s message that Isaac, due to his detachment from detrimental forces, will lead the new Nation.

And when the two ends meet, Yishmael who Sarah sent away, bows in respect to his brother Isaac, whom Sarah protected at all costs, and allows him to peacefully lead the funeral procession for their father, the Life of Sarah truly shines.
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This coming Sunday, Cheshvan 23 (November 20) is the fifth Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Gansbourg, my maternal grandfather.

My grandfather lived his life in the manner of our Matriarch Sarah, always having his home open to the outside world, but keeping himself and his family protected from outside influence.

The proof of the type of man my grandfather was beams from the homes of his children and grandchildren. Beautiful Jewish homes that not only shine with Yiddishkeit, but that share that warmth and beauty with thousands of Jewish people each year, around the globe.

In this day and age, that's no simple feat! My Zaidy’s efforts have paid off. He has good reason to be looking down from on-high beaming with pride and Yiddishe nachas.

Dear Zaidy, we miss you and love you. Your were a truly special Jew!