“Chayei Sarah” ([the] Life of ….

“Chayei Sarah” ([the] Life of Sarah) is the name of this week’s Torah portion. Ironically, it is the account of Sarah’s death and the emergence of Rivka (Rebecca), the woman who would become Isaac’s wife and Avraham’s daughter-in-law. Avraham realizes that his son—and heir —must begin to build the family that will become “a great nation.” He sends his servant to find a wife for his son. Rivka surpasses all expectations with her kindness and hospitality, and upon returning to Avraham’s encampment, she reignites the light that had gone out of their tent—and their lives—when Sarah died.

Rabbi Galit Shirah conducts a weekday Ma’ariv service every Thursday for Sim Shalom, the online synagogue. Sim Shalom presents livestream services Monday-Thursday, with a different rabbi each day. To say Kaddish, pray for healing and hear a spiritual message, go to SimShalom.com.

Rabbi Galit Shirah’s Zoom classes will resume this month. Prayerbook and Modern Hebrew classes will continue, and a Talmud class is currently being planned. For information, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com.