Chayei Sarah: Feminine Success
Is G-d Coming for Dinner?
Imagine you were a guest in the home of our Matriarchs. According to this week’s Parsha you would share your lodgings with an illustrious roommate, the Almighty G-d.
Though G-d is the constant companion of every Jew, in the home of our Patriarchs G-d’s presence took on an almost palpable reality. When Sarah and Rebbecca, our Matriarchs, kindled their Shabbat candles the flame would burn brightly throughout the week until the next Friday afternoon when it was time to light the candles again.
When Sarah and Rivkah would bake Challah, the dough took on an almost surreal, supernatural quality so that there was always enough bread to satiate the entire household. When Sarah and Rivkah would enter their tent, a cloud of glory (synonymous in the Torah with the presence of G-d) would descend upon the tent in a clearly discernible manner.
I Don’t Know, Ask My Wife
Why did these miracles manifest themselves in honor of the Matriarchs but not the Patriarchs? Mr. Joseph Lieberman, former Democratic Party candidate for Vice President of the United States, quipped that “behind every man stands a surprised mother in law”, I would like to quote the more traditional version of this refrain “behind every man stands an even more successful women”.
The woman is responsible for the environment, atmosphere, direction and function of the home. The difference between a house and a home is the touch of a woman’s hand.
For example, Abraham could not have led a life of hospitality had Sarah not worked alongside him towards the success of this endeavor, after all this was Sarah’s home. Isaac could not have led a life of devotion and study had Rebbecca not worked alongside him to create a sacred and pure home.
Point of Reflection
The lesson is obvious. The woman is able to turn her home into an environment of warmth and true Torah light. The three miracles that manifested themselves in our Patriarchs homes represent light, hospitality and sanctity. Indeed, these three “tools” enable the wife, woman of her home and mother of her children, to create an environment conducive to Torah, Mitzvahs and G-d.
Women have a unique Mitzvah of illuminating their homes through kindling the Shabbat candles. The table sparkles with the glow of hospitality when not only family members but visitors as well enjoy the Challah and Shabbat meal. Finally the sacred Shabbat aura echoes through the home when family and friends join together for melodious Shabbat song.
In this way we do indeed recreate the homes of Sarah, Rebbecca, Rachel and Leah.
Tags: home, wife, woman
