Parashat Chayei Sarah: The healing power of speech

The Jerusalem Post · RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ · 2026-11-06 11:45 UTC

Every person can act like the sun, spreading warmth and light and bringing healing to those around them. A welcoming countenance, a small smile, and genuine empathy can have amazing healing power.

The Torah portion of Chayei Sarah describes the transition from the generation of the founders of the Jewish nation, Abraham and Sarah, to the next generation, Isaac and Rebecca.

At the beginning of the parasha, we are informed of Sarah’s passing at a ripe old age, and of the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah so that she could be buried in a place befitting her. In time, this would become the resting place of the patriarchs and matriarchs of the nation, alongside Adam and Eve, who, according to the Midrash and Jewish tradition, had already been buried there.

Immediately afterward, the Torah focuses on Abraham’s mission to ensure the continuation of the chain. Abraham seeks to find a suitable wife for Isaac so that he can build the home from which the people of Israel will emerge.

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