Voices of WRJ: Chayei Sarah

by Lindie Henderson The life of Sarah is reflected in this parashah, although it follows her death. Hers is the first Jewish burial. She and Abraham, despite many challenges, built a life in the land and are our first matriarch and patriarch, respectively. We learn that Abraham dispatches his servant, Eliezer, along with ten camels to the home of his family in Haran to find a bride for Isaac among his own people. Upon approaching the city, Eliezer, who has prayed to God regarding his assignment, comes upon a lovely young woman who readily agrees to fetch water for this stranger and for his ten camels. This was no easy effort, but Rebekah manages to provide water for all and agrees to take the stranger and his animals to her home for hospitality. Lovely gifts are offered and Rebekah’s brother and mother negotiate her travel to Canaan and her marriage to Isaac. Rebekah is given a choice in the matter and agrees to go with Eliezer and to marry Isaac. She is a divinely chosen bride and was afforded a choice about her future, not usual in those times. Upon arrival in Canaan, the caravan is approached by Isaac. The story reveals that Rebekah may have fallen off her camel or alighted quickly. She sees Isaac for the first time. He is an older man, clearly burdened and still mourning the death of his mother, Sarah. The couple is married and Rabekka makes her home in Sarah’s tent. Abraham moves on to another relationship. Rebekah is blessed by God and guaranteed of offspring who will make a great nation. Today we would view Sarah as very protective and see the relationship of Isaac and Abraham as strained. However, the people are pleased that Sarah’s tent is open, Isaac is comforted, and their lives move forward. Chayei Sarah reflects a new beginning as well as continuation of traditions. Young Rebekah is spirited, seemingly kind, and devoted to Isaac and to her new life far from her childhood home. At this time, she is cultivating her relationships and building a community. As we join others in our movement this weekend at the WRJ Assembly 2015 in Orlando, FL, we are continuing important traditions yet embarking on many new aspects and intentions as Reform Jews. Prior to this Assembly, our leaders have shared with our membership and those who we hope will be our stakeholders specific new directions. Women of Reform Judaism has been considering, planning, and moving forward to ensure our future by reconsidering our governance, our image, our values, and our meaningfulness to all who identify as Reform Jewish women. We honor our traditions and are ready to meet the challenges. Our tent will be open, accepting of the diversity we embrace, addressing issues affecting our world today, reaching out with enthusiasm, respect, opportunities, and possibilities. We will continue to identify, invite, and connect with women looking for meaningfulness as the young Rebekah embarked on her new life’s journey following the life of Sarah. Lindie Henderson is a WRJ Board member and Resolutions Committee chair. She is also a WRJ Pacific District past president and a member of Women of B'nai Israel in Sacramento, CA.