1. The Return of Sarah’s Miracles with Rivkah
At the end of today’s Parsha, we reach the final verse that concludes the central episode of the last few Parshiyos: how Eliezer found a wife for Yitzchak, namely Rivkah, and the entire process involved. The verse states: Vayevi’eha Yitzchak ha’ohelah Sarah imo—Yitzchak brings her to the tent of his mother Sarah (Bereishis 24:67). On a simple level, this seems puzzling. Sarah had already passed away, so what does it mean that Yitzchak brought Rivkah to his mother’s tent? Did Sarah have a separate tent that was now given to Rivkah? Rashi explains differently. He says that Yitzchak brought Rivkah into the tent and saw that she was like his mother Sarah. Rashi elaborates that there were three miracles which occurred when Sarah was alive: first, her Shabbos lamp would burn from one Erev Shabbos to the next; second, there was a blessing found in her dough; and third, a cloud hovered over her tent. When Sarah passed away, these miracles ceased. Even though Avraham or others continued performing these mitzvos, the special merit and miracles did not continue. However, when Yitzchak brought Rivkah into the tent, all three miracles returned. This is what is meant by vaharei hi Sarah imo—behold, she was like his mother Sarah. The verse continues: Yitzchak took Rivkah as his wife, loved her, and was comforted after his mother’s passing because he saw these miracles resume through Rivkah.2. The Meaning of “Chayei Sarah”—Sarah’s Life Continues
It is striking that this Parsha is called Chayei Sarah—the life of Sarah—even though most of its content discusses her passing and burial. It details how long she lived but does not seem to focus on her life itself. However, this final verse justifies the title: it shows that Sarah’s life continued through Rivkah. The same miraculous qualities and spiritual influence that defined Sarah were now present in Rivkah. This teaches us an important lesson about spiritual legacy: true life is measured by ongoing influence and continuity. Although Sarah physically departed from this world, her unique kedusha—holiness—and miraculous blessings endured through Rivkah’s presence in the home.3. The Three Special Mitzvos of Women
These three miracles are deeply connected to the special mitzvos traditionally entrusted to Jewish women: first, lighting the Shabbos and Yom Tov candles; second, separating challah—a portion of dough as an offering; and third, observing the laws of family purity (taharas hamishpachah). Each miracle corresponds to one of these mitzvos: the ever-burning lamp reflects candle lighting; blessing in the dough relates to challah; and the cloud over the tent symbolizes family purity. It is noteworthy that even though Rivkah was only three years old at this time (according to tradition), she already lit Shabbos candles herself—a source for encouraging even young girls to participate in this mitzvah.4. The Purpose Behind Miracles in Daily Life
One might ask why Hashem performed such miracles for Sarah and later for Rivkah. As Chazal teach: Ein HaKadosh Baruch Hu oseh nes lechinam [UNCLEAR QUOTE: verify the wording and source against the audio]—Hashem does not perform miracles without purpose. What was gained by having a lamp burn all week? If it were simply a matter of adding more oil or fuel so it could burn longer naturally, there would be nothing miraculous or significant about it. The miracle demonstrated that even with only enough oil for one night (as per the mitzvah), the flame lasted all week—a phenomenon reminiscent of Chanukah’s miracle with oil lasting eight days instead of one. Similarly, what does it mean that there was blessing in the dough? Does it mean people ate less but felt satisfied? Or perhaps every loaf came out perfectly risen and baked? The idea is that when something is prepared with kedusha and kavana—holiness and intention—it brings tangible blessing into those who partake from it.5. Carrying Shabbos Into the Week
On Shabbos we all feel more spiritual—a little holier and closer to Hashem as we step away from daily distractions. We devote more time to learning Torah, davening (prayer), and spending time with family in an atmosphere filled with kedusha. But when Shabbos ends and we return to our weekday routines, it can be challenging to hold onto that inspiration. The miracle of Sarah’s ever-burning lamp teaches us to carry some of Shabbos’ light into our week—to keep its warmth burning within us until we reach another Shabbos. Likewise, berachah metzuyah ba’isah—a blessing found in one’s dough—suggests not only material abundance but also spiritual benefit from food prepared with intention for Shabbos. Just as eating bread from a tzaddik or at a Chassidic tish can bring healing or blessing (shirayim), so too did Sarah’s baking infuse those who ate it with spiritual benefit.6. Lessons from Lubavitch History on Chof Cheshvan
Today is also Chof Cheshvan—the 20th day of Cheshvan—the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab (Rabbi Shalom DovBer), fifth Rebbe of Lubavitch. His era included great challenges such as World War I when Lubavitch Chassidim had to flee their headquarters after more than a century based in Lubavitch. It seemed like there was an interruption—a hefsek—a break in continuity similar to what happened after Sarah’s passing when her miracles ceased temporarily. Yet just as Yiddishkeit flourished again through later generations’ mesirus nefesh—self-sacrifice—so too did Lubavitch revive its spiritual legacy under subsequent Rebbeim despite upheaval. This history mirrors our Parsha’s message: even after apparent breaks or losses, true spiritual life continues through dedication and connection across generations.7. Drawing Inspiration From Our Spiritual Heritage
The lives of our tzaddikim—our righteous leaders—continue inspiring us long after their physical passing just as Sarah’s influence endured through Rivkah. We are encouraged to keep their teachings alive within us: maintaining our inner light like Sarah’s lamp; seeking bracha in our efforts like her dough; surrounding ourselves with holiness like her cloud-covered tent. In this merit—especially on this auspicious day connected with Rebbe Rashab—may Hashem grant us blessings in all our endeavors (b’chol maaseh yadeinu) and help us remain connected so we may continue experiencing His miracles in our lives.