This week's parasha, Parashat Chayei Sarah, begins with the death of Sarah at the age of 127, prompting Abraham to negotiate with the Hittites for a burial site and resulting in the purchase of the Cave in Hebron. Following Sarah's burial, Abraham tasks his servant with finding a suitable wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of his line. The servant travels to Abraham's homeland and at a well, he prays for a sign to identify the right woman. Rebecca appears at the well and fulfills the sign by generously offering water to him and his camels, demonstrating her kindness and suitability as a wife for Isaac. 

The Torah mentions that Isaac was returning from Be'er Lachai Roi, a detail that holds deeper significance according to Oznayim LaTorah. To understand this, it’s important to provide some background. Hagar was initially Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid who bore Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. Due to familial tensions, Sarah requested that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, and she went  to Be’er Lachai Roi. Years later, the Torah suggests that Isaac, reflecting on these past events, traveled to Be’er Lachai Roi. This journey likely symbolizes more than a mere visit; it suggests Isaac’s intent to reconcile with Hagar, possibly to bring her back to his father. Such an action indicates Isaac’s desire to heal the rifts caused by earlier family discord, illustrating the pursuit of teshuvah - repentance - and tikkun - repair. 

Almost immediately following this act of kindness and resolution, the narrative moves from Isaac's personal attempt at mending past relationships to the act of making new relationships through his meeting with Rebekah. Rebekah's acts of kindness – drawing water for Isaac’s servant and his camels – highlight her as a central figure in the continuation of Abraham’s legacy. 

Within this parasha it is evident that the role of kindness in our relationships with others becomes a central motif. This theme is illustrated through Isaac’s attempt to heal past family wounds and Rebekah’s acts of generosity at the well: these  teach us that addressing and rectifying past mistakes is not only possible but can also lead to significant positive changes in our lives. Whether it’s mending relationships with peers, parents or teachers the parasha shows us that it is never too late to amend past disputes. Beyond amending past errors, this parasha teaches us the intrinsic value of practicing kindness for its own sake, encouraging us to integrate this fundamental virtue into every facet of our lives.

Shabbat Shalom

Alex, Grade 12