Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Chayei Sara חיי שרה
Genesis (Bereschit) · Genesis 23:1-25:18
„The Life of Sarah"
Summary
The portion begins with the death of Sarah at the age of 127. Abraham negotiates with the Hittites to purchase the Machpelah Cave in Hebron as a permanent burial site for his wife and his family.
Abraham sends his servant, Eliezer, to his homeland to find a wife for his son Isaac. Eliezer prays for a sign and meets Rebecca at a well, where she shows great kindness by watering his camels, signaling she is the chosen bride.
Isaac marries Rebecca and finds comfort after his mother's death. Abraham marries Keturah, has more children, and eventually passes away at 175, being buried by Isaac and Ishmael next to Sarah.
People
Sarah
The first matriarch of Israel whose passing marks the beginning of the portion.
Abraham
The first patriarch who secures the first piece of land in Canaan for his family.
Ephron the Hittite
The man who sold the Machpelah Cave to Abraham for four hundred silver shekels.
Eliezer
Abraham's faithful servant who is tasked with finding a suitable wife for Isaac.
Rebecca
The kind and generous woman who becomes the second matriarch of the Jewish people.
Isaac
The son of Abraham who brings his new wife into his mother's tent.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Traditionally no commandments are counted in this portion.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. Where did Abraham bury Sarah?
2. What sign did Eliezer ask for to identify the right woman for Isaac?
3. How old was Sarah when she passed away?
4. Which two sons buried Abraham when he died?