by Rabbi Shlomo Segal
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
In his d’var Torah on Times of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Segal discusses the message behind the Torah’s emphasis of our Matriarch Sarah’s life, even as it reports her passing.
Chayei Sarah, in a profound and timeless way, highlights the rewards of a life well lived, a life far into old age that is anchored in faith, loving kindness, and generosity.
We may wonder why a Torah portion that devotes much of its text to the intricate details of Sarah’s death and subsequent events, is called Chayei Sarah (literally, “the life of Sarah”). The reading begins by telling us that Sarah lived 127 years and died in Hebron. Abraham purchases a burial plot and eulogizes her [Genesis 23:1-4]. However, as we read on and absorb the meaning of the story, it becomes clear that the title is an essential element in the lessons to be gleaned.
Read more at https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/sarahs-life-well-lived/
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Rabbi Shlomo Segal is a member of the UTJ’s Panel of Halakhic Inquiry, which issues religious responses on behalf of the organization on contemporary issues, and vice president of Morashah, the rabbinic arm of UTJ.
Rabbi Segal is also a member of the International Rabbinic Fellowship (IRF) and the New York Board of Rabbis.
In fall 2013, after a decade of pulpit experience, Rabbi Segal founded Kehilat Moshe, a liberal Orthodox congregation in the Sheepshead Bay area of Brooklyn, NY. While still a new congregation, Kehilat Moshe has emerged as a diverse, multi-generational caring and intellectually stimulating community rooted in both pluralism and halakhah.
Rabbi Segal delivers a weekly commentary which you can find at kehilatmoshe.org and on YouTube. He was also interviewed on National Public Radio on the subject of “Swinging Chicken Ritual Divides Orthodox Jews”.