The Next Chapter
Family Edition

The Summary

This is an abridged version of the essay The Next Chapter written by Rabbi Sacks in 2011.

One of the most striking character traits of Avraham is how serene he seems in the final years of his life. In the recent chapters he was faced with the trial of having to sacrifice his son, and with no clear sign of ever building the large family and land he was hoping for. At the beginning of this week’s Parsha his beloved wife has died, and he is still without grandchildren or any plot of land. Yet he appears wise and forward-looking, taking care of the future.

First, he buys a plot of land. Then he arranges a wife for his son. Soon he himself remarries and has six more children. To avoid any possible conflict, he gives them all gifts but makes it clear that Yitzchak is still his heir. He sends these children out in the world. Finally we read of his demise, the most serene description of death in the Torah.

One is almost tempted to forget how much heartache he has suffered in his life: journeying far from home; the conflicts with his nephew Lot; twice leaving the land because of famine; both of which cause him to fear for his life; the wait for a son; the conflict between Sarah and Hagar; and the double trial of having to send Yishmael away and then almost to lose Yitzchak too. Yet somehow we sense in Avraham the beauty and power of a faith that places its trust in God so totally that there is neither apprehension nor fear. He is not without emotion, but he places himself in God’s hands. He does what needs to be done, and he trusts God to do likewise. There is something sublime about his faith, although he is not handed everything without struggle. For instance in this week’s Parsha, when Avraham has nowhere to bury his wife. Despite promises from God, he owns not one square inch. Avraham’s negotiation for the right to buy a field and a cave is a complex encounter.

Both sides are polite, but the Hittites are very clearly unwilling to sell land to him. Avraham must use all his negotiating skill, and eventually pays a giant sum for a small plot of land. It all seems an impossibly long way from the vision God has painted for him of the entire country one day becoming a home for his descendants. Yet Avraham is content. The next chapter begins with the words: 

"Avraham was now old and well advanced in years, and the Lord had blessed him in all things" (Bereishit 24:1).

That is the faith of Avraham. The man promised as many children as the stars of the sky has just one child ready to continue the covenant. Promised all the land of Israel, he has acquired one field and a tomb. But that is enough. The journey has begun. Avraham knows “It is not for you to complete the task.” He can die content knowing that the pieces are in motion.

One phrase shines through his negotiation with the Hittites. They acknowledge Avraham, the stranger from another land, as “a prince of God in our midst.” Avraham fought and prayed for his neighbours, but always maintained his distance and kept to a very different lifestyle from them. For this he was respected. So it was then. So it is now. Non-Jews respect Jews who respect Judaism. 

At the end of his life, we see Avraham, dignified, satisfied, serene, with faith. There are many types of hero in Judaism, but few as majestic as the man who first heard the call of God, and began the journey we still continue.

Around the Shabbat Table

Questions to Ponder

1. Do you see Avraham as a heroic person? Why?
2. Why do you think Avraham was so determined to purchase the plot of land?
3. How can we best write the next chapter in the story that begins with Avraham?

On the Parsha

Written by Sara Lamm

Inspired by the Teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The Parsha in a Nutshell

Chayei Sarah opens with Sarah’s passing at the age of 127. Avraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah in Chevron from Ephron the Hittite for 400 silver shekels to bury her. Then he sends his servant, Eliezer, to Charan to find a wife for Yitzchak. Reaching a well, Eliezer prays for a sign, asking that the woman who offers water to him and his camels be the one chosen for Yitzchak. Rivka, the daughter of Betuel, passes this test and is brought back to marry Yitzchak.

Avraham later marries Keturah, and has more sons, but designates Yitzchak as his sole heir. Avraham dies at 175 and is buried next to Sarah by Yitzchak and Yishmael.

Philosophy of Rabbi Sacks

Delving Deeper

Our Tanach has so many heroes, it’s hard to pick just one “main character” who represents the entire religion. Unlike Christianity or Islam, where the central figures of Jesus and Muhammad are the clear focus, Judaism has many protagonists. 

Each hero in the Tanach shows different ways to connect with God and others. With Avraham, for example. God promised him a vast land and many descendants, but in his lifetime, he owned just one small plot of land and had only one son to carry on his legacy. Even so, Avraham completely trusted God’s plan. When Sarah passed away, he carefully negotiated to buy a burial place for her, making his first permanent mark on the land God promised. 

Avraham focused on preparing for the future and embraced each challenge with patience and strength. For him, faith was about the journey, trusting that each step mattered, even if he wouldn’t see the final goal in his lifetime. This trust and resilience make him one of Judaism’s greatest heroes.

Who is your favorite Jewish “Superhero”?

Parsha Activity

Jewish Hero Training

Come up with a series of challenges, for example, an obstacle course that requires teamwork, much like the Jewish people supporting each other through the desert. Or create a “courage challenge,” where everyone must try something new - and put on a brave face. After the activity, consider what traits you need to embody to complete your Jewish superhero training - like moral strength, faith, and community.

What similar traits have Biblical heroes shown over time?

A Story for the Ages

Tova's Story

Tova Friedman was born in Poland in 1938, just before the war that changed everything. When it was over, Tova and her parents reunited and moved to America where they had to start all over again. Imagine moving to a new place where everything is different. Almost like Avraham Avinu. Tova faced a new school, new friends, and a new life. 

Starting over meant many challenges, but Tova believed in the importance of learning, and she always had a bright vision for her future. So she took small actions every day to build up her future, like studying hard. She loved to read books and discover new things, which helped her grow smarter and more confident, and she began helping her friends with their homework too. 

As Tova grew up, she decided to become a teacher and share her love of learning with others. But she didn’t just teach in a classroom. Tova travelled to many places, telling the story of how she grew up during the war. She became a powerful voice for remembering the Holocaust, and she taught that kindness and courage played a part in this serious piece of Jewish history.

In her travels Tova connected with people of all ages. She told them how important it is to understand the past so that we can make the world a better place. With a warm smile and inspiring words, Tova touched the hearts of many, teaching everyone about the strength of faith, community, and resilience.

Tova’s journey started with small steps, but she became well-known as a therapist, social worker, author, and academic. Her dedication to education and remembrance has created a big wave of change and she inspires kids and adults everywhere to believe in themselves and to help others, reminding us all that we can make a difference in our own little ways.

Do you think Tova is a hero? How does her story remind you of Avraham’s story?

On the Haftara

Written by Rabbi Barry Kleinberg

Inspired by the Teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

HAFTARA SUMMARY

The Haftara in a Nutshell

I Kings (Melachim 1) 1:1-31

This week’s Haftara is taken from the first chapter of I Kings. It describes the final days of King David and the struggle over his succession. 

As David is old and frail, Adoniyah, his son, declares himself king without David’s approval. However, the prophet Natan and Queen Batsheva intervene by reminding David of his earlier promise that Shlomo would become king of Israel after him. 

The Haftara ends before the closing of the chapter which concludes with Shlomo being publicly proclaimed king, while Adoniyah’s supporters disperse, and Adoniyah fears for his life.

• What do you think Kind David is best remembered for? 
• In what ways was the reign of King Shlomo successful? 

Points to Ponder

1. What do you think were the key similarities between King David and Avraham Avinu?
2. What were the key differences in their leadership styles?
3. Do you think Shlomo learned from his father David, as Yitzchak learned from Avraham?

Tanach Connections

Parsha and Haftara Links

The Rabbis note the repetition of the common phrase, “old, advanced in years” After the story of Sarah’s death and her burial in the cave in the field of Machpelah, our Parsha opens with the words, “And Avraham was old, advanced in years.” Similarly, the book of Melachim - and our Haftara - opens with the description, “And King David was old, advanced in years...” 

This parallel serves only to emphasise the difference between the two situations: in Avraham’s case this is the beginning of a new phase of his life, while for King David this expression introduces the beginning of the end of his life. 

In talking about old age, Rabbi Sacks wrote: “There is something moving about seeing Moshe, at almost 120, looking forward as well as back, sharing his wisdom with the young, teaching us that while the body may age, the spirit can stay young ad me’ah ve’esrim, until 120, if we keep our ideals, give back to the community, and share our wisdom with those who will come after us, inspiring them to continue what we could not complete.”

There are two further links between the Parsha and Haftara. In both cases the younger son (Yitzchak and Shlomo, respectively) is chosen to take over from their fathers, and their mothers play key roles in their advancement. What can we learn from this?

Putting the Prophets into Context

On the Book of Kings

Rabbi Sacks summarised Shlomo HaMelech’s reign (which begins at the start of I Kings) as follows: “With Shlomo the record is even more chequered [than King David’s]. He was the man whose name was synonymous with wisdom, author of Song of Songs, Proverbs and Kohelet [Ecclesiastes]. 

“At the same time, he was the king who broke all three of the Torah’s caveats about monarchy, namely he should not have too many wives, or too many horses, or too much money (Devarim 17:16–17). King Shlomo - as the Talmud says - thought he could break all the rules and stay uncorrupted. Despite all his wisdom, he was wrong” (Sanhedrin 21b).

Rabbi Sacks then quotes Lord Acton who famously said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” 

Quote of the Week

After the death of Sarah, Avraham is old and could have been expected to give up on life and simply grieve his wife. Rabbi Sacks tells us that he instead had a flurry of activity following Sarah’s death because “First you have to build a future. Only then can you mourn the past.”

A Call from the Future, Chayei Sarah, Covenant & Conversation: Studies in Spirituality

Further Ponderings

Why does power corrupt?
How can this corruption be avoided?