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.

The Torah definition of Hatzlacha is well beyond the conventional understanding of success. An insight from the narrative of Eliezer going to find a match for his master.

When purchasing the Cave of the Machpelah from the people of Ches, Avraham agrees to take an oath that his children won’t posses their city of Yevus. Learn how this puzzling oath fits with Hashem’s covenant, as well as with King David’s conquest of the city.

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!