1. Parsha Summary – Parshat Chayei Sarah
(Genesis 23:1 - Genesis 23:20 link to Sefaria here)
Sarah’s Death: When Sarah passes away, Avraham arranges for her burial– the purchase of Mearat HaMachpela in Chevron.
Yitzchak marries: When Avraham wants to arrange a marriage for his son Yitzchak, he sends his servant to Charan to find. Eved Avraham eventually finds Rivka at a well; more on this below. She and Yitzchak marry.
Avraham remarries: Avraham marries Keturah and has 6 children with her. Some commentaries say that Keturah is another name for Hagar.
Avraham’s death: When Avraham dies, both Yitzchak and Yishmael bury him in Me’arat HaMachpela.
Yishmael’s genealogy: The parsha ends with the progeny of Yishmael.
2. Story context – Avraham’s Wife is Buried
(Genesis 23, link to Sefaria here)
Section 1 – Breishit 23:1-2 Sarah Dies
Section 2 – Breishit 23:3-7 Avraham asks the Hittites for a burial plot
Section 3 – Breishit 23:8-18 Avraham negotiates with Ephron the Hittite
Section 4 – Breishit 23:19-20 Avraham buries Sarah
3.Paintings
4. Discussion Questions
The text leaves these points ambiguous; in making their art, the the artist takes their liberty in imagining the answers to these questions:
1. Age: How old is Rivka at the well scene? This question matters because it can give context as to: (a) if/how miraculous it was that she watered the sheep and (b) if she realized the gravity of her decision to leave Charan and marry Yitzchak.
2. Class and Identity of Eved Avraham: Who was this servant of Avraham? Was he honorable? Wealthy? Or enslaved?
3. Rivka’s personality: In this narrative she is generous and kind. Yet when orchestrating Yaakov’s stealing of the blessing – she is manipulative and sneaky. Who is she?
4. Discussion Questions
Ideas to ponder as you read through this story:
1. The Site: Describe the difference between the Machpelah then and now.
2. Stylistic Genre: What type of art is seen in each depiction? How do they both make you feel about the contents of the story? What other genres could affect the way the story is told?
3. Your Personal Connection to the Story: Start thinking about what aspect of the story most resonates with yours. Do you have a personal connection with it?
(2) Abraham Buys the Field of Efron
(1) Abraham's Servant Meets Rebecca, James Tissot
(2) Rebecca at the Well, Giovanni Tiepolo
(1) Tombs of the Patriarchs in Hebron, Alex Levin
Parshat Chayey Sarah
פרשת חיי שרה
Piece Description, "Chayei Sarah"
The Bell Caves in Northern Israel provide inspiration for the layout of this painting. The different kinds of stone merge along the walls, creating a texture unique to the man-made ancient quarries. Due to the nature of the quarry (being carved from the top to the bottom), skylights form at the top of each bell shaped cave. The skylight can be seen in the form of the cave entrance of the painting, while the axe marks of excavation cover many parts of the walls of the cave. The light from the cave's visible entrance shines down around the column in the center of the painting, both down the stone steps and onto the grave site. The background emphasizes the scale of the cave, as well as the significance of the scene before the viewer. One feels as though they are chancing upon the vulnerable, private moment of Abraham preparing to bury Sarah's body—a scene not meant for you, yet one is welcome to stay for as long as they wish.
1. Parsha Summary – Parshat Chayei Sarah
(Genesis 23:1 - Genesis 25:18 link to Sefaria here)
Sarah’s Death:When Sarah passes away, Avraham arranges for her burial– the purchase of Mearat HaMachpela in Chevron.
Yitzchak marries:When Avraham wants to arrange a marriage for his son Yitzchak, he sends his servant to Charan to find. Eved Avraham eventually finds Rivka at a well; more on this below. She and Yitzchak marry.
Avraham remarries:Avraham marries Keturah and has 6 children with her. Some commentaries say that Keturah is another name for Hagar.
Avraham’s death:When Avraham dies, both Yitzchak and Yishmael bury him in Me’arat HaMachpela.
Yishmael’s genealogy: The parsha ends with the progeny of Yishmael.
2. Story context – Rivka at the Well
(Genesis 24, link to Sefaria here)
Section 1 – Breishit 24:1-9 Avraham has his servant swear to go to charan to find a wife for Yitzchak
Section 2 – Breishit 24:10-14 Eved Avraham’s prayer at the well
Section 3 – Breishit 24:15-22 Rivka waters Eved Avraham’s sheep; She’s given a dowry
Section 4 – Breishit 24:23-33 Eved Avraham is welcomed to Betuel’s house
Section 5 – Breishit 24:34-53 Eved Avraham tells his story; Rivka is given more gifts; Eved Avraham spends the night
Section 6 – Breishit 24:54-61 Eved Avraham and Rivka head to Erets Yisrael
Section 7 – Breishit 24:62-67 Rivka and Yitzchak marry
3.Paintings AlHaTorah interpretation, link here
THE FIRST SOURCE SHEET THAT THEY STUDIED TOGETHER
Student: Ariel Ser and Mentor: Tina Marcus
THE SECOND SOURCE SHEET THAT THEY STUDIED TOGETHER
Learn more about Ariel Ser here
Learn more about Tina Marcus here
