By Rabbi Raphael Wizman, Provided by the Orthodox Union, the central coordinating agency for North American Orthodox congregations.
Sarah's Legacy
The greatest tributes to Sarah's life were the achievements and character of her son Yitzchak.
he portion of Haye Sarah recounts the death of our Matriarch, Sarah, the purchase of a cemetery plot for her, and the marriage of her son, Isaac.
Yet, this parashah is called Haye Sarah, the Life of Sarah, because, in truth, this portion tells the story of her life more than of her death.
Abraham and Isaac come to eulogize Sarah and to cry for her. Although the Torah doesn’t tell us what Abraham said in his eulogy, we know that her ultimate praise is her son, Isaac.
Abraham could have recounted the hard life that Sarah endured--that she was childless for 90 years, that she was held captive by both Avimelech and Pharaoh, and that she struggled to maintain a household that included Ishmael and Hagar. But all Abraham had to do was bring Isaac to her funeral.
What Was Her Legacy?
Isaac’s presence was her legacy. His continued loyalty to the tradition of "Torat imeha” (his mother’s Torah/teaching) would be her greatest praise. The story of Isaac’s life is, in essence, the story of Sarah’s life.
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