The story of Sarah in Parshat Chayei Sarah takes us back nearly 3,700 years—about 140 generations. Though separated by time, Sarah’s life feels deeply connected to mine as a Jewish woman and mother living in Israel. Her story is not just ancient history; it’s the foundation of the Jewish people and our connection to this land.
Sarah’s journey unfolds in the very soil I now call home—a land given to us by God in the Torah:
“To your descendants I will give this land” (Genesis 24:7).
This promise, spoken in Parshat Chayei Sarah, reminds me that living in Israel isn’t just a choice; it’s part of a sacred inheritance, a continuation of the journey that Sarah began.
Sarah’s Legacy: Strength Across Generations
Sarah was not only the first Jewish mother but also a woman of unparalleled resilience. She built a home in the land of Canaan, weathered trials of infertility, and raised Isaac with faith and determination. As a mother of four navigating life in this same land, I feel her presence guiding me in the struggles and joys of raising a family.
Her legacy is not abstract—it’s alive in my daily life. When I pray, when I guide my children through challenges, or when I seek strength in hard moments, I feel I’m drawing from the well of courage Sarah left behind.
The Eternal Bond with My Grandmothers
Sarah’s influence extends through time, just as the love and wisdom of my own grandmothers, Sadie and Adeline, continue to shape my life. Although their souls are no longer in their bodies, their presence is still deeply felt.
I often speak to Sadie and Adeline, and their guidance feels as real as ever. Their values, their nurturing love, and the strength they showed in their lifetimes continue to inspire me. Like Sarah, they are part of the bridge connecting me to past generations and the divine.
Time as a Bridge
In Jewish thought, time is not a barrier—it’s a bridge. The lives of those who came before us ripple into our present, shaping who we are. When I light Shabbat candles or pray for guidance, I feel the presence of Sarah, Sadie, and Adeline. Their love and strength are not confined to history; they are here with me, part of the flow of Jewish women who nurture the world.
Listening for Their Messages
I believe that if I quiet my mind and open my heart, I can receive messages from Sarah and from my grandmothers. This ability isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s something all of us can access if we create space to listen.
- Ask and Receive: Before bed or during quiet moments, I ask for their guidance. Sometimes their answers come as a feeling, a memory, or even a sign—a bird, a word, or a sudden clarity.
- Sacred Rituals: Lighting a candle for them or dedicating a prayer strengthens my connection.
- Inner Reflection: By tending to my inner needs—whether it’s the tired mother in me or the dreamer—I create the clarity needed to hear their voices.
Living Their Legacy in the Land of Israel
Living in Israel, the land where Sarah walked, feels like a continuation of her journey. She was the first to settle here, to claim this land as the home of the Jewish people. When I guide my children, navigate motherhood, or simply walk the streets of this sacred land, I feel like I’m fulfilling the promise made to her and passed down through generations.
The Torah reminds us that this land was chosen for us, and every moment here is part of a divine story. Just as Sarah’s presence shaped her time, my life today adds to the unfolding legacy of the Jewish people in the land God promised.
The love and strength of Sarah, Sadie, and Adeline are like threads in the fabric of my life, connecting me to God’s light. Their courage is my courage, their faith is my faith, and their legacy continues through me and my children. We are all part of this divine story, weaving the past and future together in the eternal land of Israel.
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