1. Welcoming Remarks and Personal Reflections
We began with some informal conversation about finding the right space and welcoming everyone to the event. I mentioned that I don’t usually do this, except for Sarah, as we have an agreement: she handles the women’s programs, and I do the men’s groups. After her d’var Torah at the bar mitzvah, many people complimented her, saying now they understood where my own d’vrei Torah come from. I see how hard she works and how much effort she puts in, so I agreed to do this for her today.
I welcomed everyone, especially Maureen Mintz, noting how impressive it is to see such engagement. There was a lighthearted suggestion that maybe Maureen should give a sermon on Shabbat to help attract more people to the temple. The atmosphere was warm and appreciative of everyone’s presence.
2. The Importance of Balance: Body and Soul
I emphasized that everything in life needs balance. As human beings, we are a fusion of neshama—soul—and guf—body. Every event we hold should reflect this balance: while we discuss important worldly matters, we also want to include something spiritual at the outset, such as a d’var Torah, to give our gathering a special blessing and spiritual dimension.
This is especially meaningful after the intense period of holidays. We had Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah—a time filled with spirituality and blessings. The challenge is to retain that energy as we move forward into regular life.
3. From Tishrei to Cheshvan: Carrying Spiritual Energy Forward
I shared an expression comparing the holidays of Tishrei to shopping in a marketplace: during Tishrei we gather spiritual goods for the coming months. When Cheshvan arrives, it’s time to unpack those treasures and use them in our daily lives. This means not just living for the moment but being inspired by those moments so we can continue with excitement and purpose.
This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate our uniqueness and connection to Hashem as Jewish women, drawing strength from each other and from our traditions.
4. The Miraculous Birth of Yitzchak: Questions and Lessons
I reflected on some seemingly troubling verses in Parashat Vayera regarding Sarah’s barrenness and the miraculous announcement that she would have a child at age 90. In last week’s parasha, Lech Lecha, Hashem already promised Avraham he would have a son; Avraham responded with surprise but not disbelief, noting he already had Yishmael and suggesting perhaps Yishmael could be guided onto the right path instead of needing another child.
Avraham was known for his limitless chesed—kindness—but sometimes too much kindness can be problematic without boundaries (like a car with only a gas pedal). Avraham’s request was not out of disbelief but from his perspective of kindness towards Yishmael.
5. Why Miracles? The Deeper Meaning Behind Delayed Blessings
The question arises: why did Hashem wait until Sarah was so old before giving her a child? Why make her barren first? The Rebbe explains that this can be understood through the ages at which Yishmael and Yitzchak were circumcised: Yishmael at 13 (an age of understanding), Yitzchak at 8 days (before any personal choice).
Circumcision at 13 represents an intellectual connection to Hashem—one chooses it when it makes sense or feels right. But what happens when things don’t make sense? When life disappoints us or doesn’t go as planned? If our connection is only logical or self-serving (as with Yishmael), it falters when challenged.
Yitzchak’s circumcision at 8 days symbolizes an essential bond with Hashem—a connection deeper than logic or emotion. It is who we are at our core; even when things are difficult or confusing, we remain connected because it is intrinsic to our identity as Jews.
6. Faith Beyond Logic: The Jewish People’s Enduring Connection
This essential connection explains why Hashem insisted on a miraculous birth for Sarah and Avraham rather than a natural one. Jewish continuity isn’t merely natural or logical; it expresses an unbreakable love between Hashem and His people that transcends nature itself.
The story teaches us that even when circumstances seem impossible—Sarah unable to have children, Avraham advanced in years—Hashem demonstrates that nothing is beyond Him (hayipalei mehashem—is anything too wondrous for Hashem?). If we trust in Him despite obstacles, He can bring about miracles beyond our expectations.
7. Applying These Lessons in Our Own Lives
The Torah tells us these stories not just as history but as encouragement for our own challenges. Avraham faced setbacks immediately after receiving Hashem’s promises—a famine upon entering Eretz Yisrael, his wife taken away in Egypt—yet ultimately everything turned out well because he maintained faith through adversity.
The message is clear: even if things seem topsy-turvy or hopeless at first glance, if we persist with faith in Hashem, eventually we will see blessing emerge from difficulty (lech lecha leading into vayera). This applies both collectively as a people and individually in our personal journeys.
8. Inspiration for Every Stage of Life
I concluded by addressing those who may feel less productive as they get older or face societal attitudes about age limiting their contributions. The story of Sarah having a child at 90 teaches us that spiritually there are no limits—each person can always create goodness and bring new life into the world through their actions.
The only requirement is faithfulness and staying connected to Hashem; then He will show us miracles even when logic says otherwise. Thank you all for listening and being part of this special gathering.