Parshas Chayei Sara (5768)

Bs”d

Parshas Chayei Sara (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The outstanding event in our parsha is the passing of Sara Imainu yet it is called Chayei Sara—the life of Sara.  Our great ones are vivacious and full of vigor and life after they have made their official passage and voyage from this world.  Tzadikim bimisasam nikraim chaim.

I wish with this thought to increase the achdus among our brethren through the following.  There is a considerable amount of chasidishe groups among us who seek the advice and blessings of a leader who has been buried and this is subject to criticism and a source of conflict among us.  How can advice or blessings be requested from a leader who has “passed on”?

To quote the biography of R’ Chaim Volozhin, the talmid muvhak of the Vila Gaon—“Both the common people and the leaders of the generation continued to seek guidance at the gravesite of R’ Chaim as if he was still alive.  And according to his own words – even in death I will not lose connection with my fellow Yiddin.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.