Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah
Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18
Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31
Shabbat: Genesis 25:12–18
25:12 Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations. 17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was gathered to his people. 18 They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.
Today’s Meditation:
Tradition has it that Ishmael is the father of Islam. I don’t know the total implications of this, but we have history to look at. There has been great contention between Muslims and Jews for centuries. Lives have been lost, and families/communities have experienced significant pain on both sides. That makes me think about today. The things that separate our families. Feuds can begin with issues such as marriage, differing political views, and, often, financial disputes. In my own family, my husband’s siblings fought over an inheritance. It is sad and so destructive to be at odds with your family. Maybe it is time for that to stop. It takes two to tango. Suppose we could only step down and concede for the sake of peace. Is that possible?
Today’s Challenge:
Think of someone in your family with whom you don’t get along, or maybe you have stopped talking to. I challenge you to reopen that door of your relationship with that person. Seek forgiveness, restitution, and healing. It won’t be easy, but I believe that every restoration of a friendship/relationship is like planting a seed toward healing our world. And don’t we want the world to be healed when the Mashiach comes?
This Week’s Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31
1:1 Now King David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn’t keep warm. 2 Therefore, his servants said to him, “Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king. Let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young lady was very beautiful; and she cherished the king, and served him; but the king didn’t know her intimately.
5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why have you done so?” and he was also a very handsome man; and he was born after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest; and they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 9 Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants; 10 but he didn’t call Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother.
11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord doesn’t know it? 12 Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life, and your son Solomon’s life. 13 Go in to king David, and tell him, ‘Didn’t you, my lord, king, swear to your servant, saying, “Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne?” Why then does Adonijah reign?’ 14 Behold, while you are still talking there with the king, I will also come in after you and confirm your words.”
15 Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. 16 Bathsheba bowed and showed respect to the king. The king said, “What would you like?”
17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore by Hashem your Elohim to your servant, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don’t know it. 19 He has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn’t called Solomon your servant. 20 You, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.”
22 Behold, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 They told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet!”
When he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 Nathan said, “My lord, king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne?’ 25 For he has gone down today, and has slain cattle, fatlings, and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king’s sons, the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priest. Behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live king Adonijah!’ 26 But he hasn’t called me, even me, your servant, Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon. 27 Was this thing done by my lord the king, and you haven’t shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba in to me.” She came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 The king swore, and said, “As Hashem lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 30 most certainly as I swore to you by Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”
31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and showed respect to the king, and said, “Let my lord king David live forever!”
Today’s Haftarah Meditation:
King David is picking his son to be the next king. There is some interference with this decision, but ultimately King David’s decision stands. Why do people constantly challenge the decisions of their authority? In this story, Adonijah decides he would make a better king. However, he was not the chosen one to do so.
Have you ever been in a situation where someone takes authority over an issue when they haven’t been given that charge? What should you do when that happens? I believe it would be essential to consult with the person in charge to determine the appropriate course of action. Do not take matters into our own hands; let those in leadership handle the situation. Just like King David did, it is the right way.
Today’s Haftarah Challenge:
Think about how you feel about authority. Do you have a situation in your life where you are usurping authority on the basis that you think you have the right to do so? Check your heart and go to the leadership in this circumstance, telling them what is going on and what you think needs to be done. Or even admit to them that you have taken authority in a particular situation, and see if they agree or feel that it is right. There is always a line of authority that all of us must follow. We must respect those in leadership positions above us (i.e., bosses, employers, etc.). If you are justifying stepping out of line because it is the right thing to do, double-check it. It is the right and proper thing to do. Scripture teaches us so.
