Parshas Chayei Sara (5762)

Bs”d

Parshas Chayei Sara (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

We are accustomed to understand the connection of the akeida and the passing of Sara Immenu was the emotional devastation she experienced at the thought that her Yitzchok was slaughtered.  However, going through Rashi more carefully it is evident that the factor that disturbed her was that Yitzchok was subjected to the akeida.  The Medrash Tanchuma confirms this by its rendition that the Satan appeared before Sara in the form of Yitzchok himself who related to her the events of the akeida, which shocked her to the extent that caused her passing.  Obviously, it was that he was subjected to the akeida which disturbed her.  Food for thought.

Rashi points out that all of Sara’s years were complete with accomplishment.  The Mesilas Yesharim echoes this principle that above all we must keep in our sight our true goals—not to get sidetracked with issues and activities that are not our priority.  We should all be zocheh to fulfill our true purpose in the world.

Have wonderful Shabbos.