Burials & Besherts

The last parsha was filled with Sarah’s life, and this one is, well…not. She dies almost immediately – the title, taken from the opening verse, instead offers a glance back. From here, Parashat Chayei Sarah presents the story of Abraham’s finding a place of burial, and ends with the first patriarch’s death.

What happens in between has become the basis of conversation for this portion: Rebekah. Rebekah becomes THE STORY of Chayei Sarah. From the search for a wife for Isaac to their eventual partnership, the life of the first matriarch flows into the life of the second – our early origin story ebbs into a second generation through inclusion of the first.

In our families, congregations, societies, neighborhoods, institutions, communities, partnerships – we remember, acknowledge, and need our ancestors. Their stories are reminders of who we are and directions as we take up the task of figuring out life. Their faith may inspire us, teaching us about G!d, ourselves, and the importance of relationships.

*********

As I write my Dissertation Diary this week, I’m finally getting a little work done. After a couple months of stress and transition, I’m seeking to create more discipline, and slowly I’m finding myself able to focus and put effort into my personal work and studies.