Chayei Sarah Videos

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Did Abraham and Sarah live on the Lower East Side down the street from Jono's favorite Pizza Stand? Find out in this exciting episode of the Parshah Report!

Do we justify our failings by laying the blame on our circumstances? Our matriarch, Rivka, teaches how to thrive despite adversity.

Topics include: The lesson of Sarah's dying of shock, why Abraham paid full price for the Cave of Machpelah, the deeper meaning of getting white hair.

Traditionally, Jews toast with drink saying l’chaim together with family and friends when marking the yartzeit (day of passing) of a loved one. Why celebrate on such a day?

What comes first, love or marriage? The Torah reframes the meaning of love.

A closer reading of a few unusual words in Rashi's commentary resolves puzzling questions in the narrative of Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his wife Sarah. This novel insight affords a powerful message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 35)

There are three places in the land of Israel that the nations of the world are compelled to admit belong to the Jews: the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem, for all three were purchased outright. The first such acquisition was the cave in Hebron by Abraham. This class will explain why Providence ordained that Hebron be the first location where Jewish ownership is established. (Likutei Sichos vol. 25)

What did Abraham mean when he told the Hittites (Genesis 23:4) "I am a visitor and a resident among you"? Was he a visitor or was he a resident in the land? A lesson about the relationship between a Jew and the physical location where he or she is found.

Abraham’s response to the loss of his wife, Sarah, teaches us how to properly honor those who have passed on.

The biblical narrative of “Isaac meets Rebecca” isn't exactly a romantic courtship. A servant, appointed matchmaker is given access to unlimited funds to convince the “right” girl to marry a man without ever seeing him. To thicken the plot, this “match made in heaven” seems entirely incompatible and doomed from the get go. The unnecessary repeated details only provoke more questions. This profoundly mystical presentation reveals a vast new perspective; overwhelmingly dissolving all questions, and providing a compelling blueprint for achieving inner balance that equals personal satisfaction and happiness in life!

“Sarah died . . . and Abraham came to eulogize Sarah and to cry over her.” (Genesis 23:2) The word “to cry” is written with a small letter “kaf.” What is the meaning of this small letter?

Abraham dispatches his servant, Eliezer, with clear instructions on how to find a wife for Isaac. Eliezer finds Rebecca almost immediately and an extremely unusual conversation follows.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The Torah details the first plot of land Abraham purchases in the land of Israel, which was the Cave of Machpelah area in Chevron. Discover fascinating facts about this cave and its amazing background story.

Abraham’s famous servant looms large in the Bible with many virtuous qualities attributed to him in our sacred tradition. Yet, his master seems unable to trust him without administering a sacred oath. Why would such an outstandingly righteous person be so distrusted? This fascinating offering peels away the mysterious layers shrouding this legendary figure, to reveal his true identity.

The Torah describes in great detail the mission of Avraham’s trusted servant Eliezer to find a bride for Yitzchak, his master’s son. Explore the precise role of Eliezer, the greater significance of this mission and how this relates to all of us in our own life mission.

How can you dedicate the Parsha to Sarah's life when all its themes seem antithetical to what her life was about?

We often reminisce about the yesteryears of our lives. Impatiently, we may look forward to the tomorrows. But are we as successful with living fully in the present?

Sarah teaches us that you have the power to choose between victimhood and triumph, by how you show up in every moment.

Have fun watching an exciting puppet show for children and learn the parsha of the week with Rabbi Wagshul.

The Midrash relates the miracles that G-d would perform for Sarah and Rebecca. A beautiful story highlighting the greatness of our matriarchs, it holds a poignant lesson for us today and the special role of a woman to bring G-d’s light into the home.

The Torah is replete with the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. Highlighting their righteous and saintly behavior, it’s supposed to inspire us to emulate their ways. But are such lofty heights really achievable for any of us? And what if we’ve already messed up in the past?

Some well-meaning folk believe that a little bit of experience in romantic relationships is a good preparation for marriage. The Torah teaches that it’s the single worst possible preparation. (“Parsha Perks” with Dr Michael Chighel | Chayei Sarah)

While we may admire pristine order and perfection, is there greater virtue in another focus? Perfection and holiness can be two different paths. Learn how the busy, rumpled person may be actually greater in holiness, since he has a different priority. Gain perspectives on where to put your energy for maximum happiness and satisfaction.

There's the standard definitions of what holiness is. And then here's this novel perspective that will blow your mind and change your way of thinking.

The time to stop and refocus ourselves amidst the daily grind.

At the age of 140 Avraham remarries Hagar and fathers six children. Strangely, the Torah does not indicate that this was miraculous. In answering this question, this talk explores the divergent legacies of Abraham and Sarah and the respective roles of men and women in bringing about the Messianic Era. (Based on Likutei Sichos, volume 35, Chayei Sarah 3)

Contemporary, spiritually seeking Jews are often drawn to Hinduism and Buddhism, attracted by teachings that espouse oneness and transcendence. This class explores the origins and differences between Judaism and Eastern faiths. The results are revelations that many will undoubtedly find astounding.

A deeper look at some of the unique components of the Jewish wedding ceremony, and insights on the special mitzvah of marriage.

This historic overview of Abraham’s burial in the Cave of Machpelah becomes a springboard to clarify the importance of sacred burial grounds. Discover why we pray at the resting place of Tzadikim (the truly righteous) even though we believe in addressing G-d directly. See how going to the Ohel isn’t a recent phenomenon, but a sacred Torah-true and time-honoured tradition that’s as old as Judaism itself!

The shidduch between our patriarch Yitzchak and our matriarch Rivkah is the most detailed courtship in Torah. Find out what about Rivkah made her the perfect match and discover the greatness of Jewish women in the process.

In an unexpected twist, Avraham takes Hagar back after Sarah passes away. Rashi exposes the controversy around that move, and how it is resolved.

The miracle of the Rivkah’s Shabbat candles is connected to upcoming holiday of the miracle of lights. Explore a unique approach to how the miracle of oil transpired and its inner dimension. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 15 Chayei Sarah – Shabbos Mevarchim Kislev)

Why Avraham insisted on paying the full value of the Cave of Machpela. A closer look at the commentary of Rashi on this matter.

Why Rivkah's family back-peddled on their enthusiasm for her to marry Yitzchak. An insight into Rashi, with an interesting halachic twist.

An insight into how Avraham changed the world inferred from the difference in Avraham’s reference to “G-d of the heavens” vs. “G-d of the heavens and earth”.

What exactly was the miracle of the oil? A novel insight on how reality and super-reality work in tandem.

Learn how Rashi derives the three miracles associated with Rivkah upon entering Sarah’s tent, and how this teaches the power of every little girl to illuminate the world.

The message in how Rashi explains differently how the Torah describes the years of Sarah, Avraham and Yishmael.

Explore different levels of teshuvah corresponding to different timeframes.

“And the years of Sarah were one hundred and twenty and seven.” What is it about youth that makes us yearn to be young again?

We sometimes think “if only” this or that detail had been different, then our lives would have been so much better. Sarah’s life teaches us how to get over this mode of thinking.

Ch. 23, verses 1-7: Introduction, Sara dies in Hebron and Avraham begins the funeral arrangements to bury her.

Chp. 23, verse 8 – Ch. 24, verse 3: Avraham purchases the Cave of the Machpelah and buries Sarah. Avraham gives Eliezar his servant the mission of finding a wife for Yitzhok.

Ch. 24, verses 4 - 21: Eliezer the servant of Avraham sets out on his mission to find a wife for Yitzhok. He stops at a well and prays to Hashem to show him the girl who would be chosen to be Yitzhok's wife. He proposes certain test to prove she would be the one. Rivkah appears immediately and begins to fulfill all of the tests that he had proposed to Hashem.

Ch. 24, verses 50-67: Continues with the story of Eliezar bringing Rivkah to Yitzhok as a wife.

Ch. 25, verses 1-18: Avraham marries Keturah, she bears him six sons. He sends them to the east with gifts. However, to Yitzchok he leaves all that he owns. He dies at the age of 175. He is buried by Yitzchok and Yishmael in the Machpelah with Sarah. Continues with the genealogy of Yishmael, and his death at the age of 137.

An old Swedish chemist was branded by the media as the "merchant of death" - but managed to change his reputation and create a new legacy of extraordinary goodness.

Abraham's method of time management shows us how to make the most of each day. Presenter: Rabbi Shemtov

Abraham was old and coming of days. Discover the difference between growing old and having a full life.