In this week's Parsha, Chayei Sarah, we read how Avraham purchased the Mearas Hamachpela, the double cave where Adam and Chava (Eve), Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivka, and Yaacov and Leah are buried. He purchased the Mearas Hamachpela and the field it is in, which is in our Holy City Hebron.
He starts his request to the Hittites for the burial property, "I am a foreigner and a resident among you." Avraham goes on to purchase the property for 400 silver Shekels.
Why does Avraham say that he is a foreigner and a resident? What lesson can we take from Avraham's attitude?
Rashi sites the Midrash explaining Avraham's words: "If you like, I'm a stranger, if not I will soon be a resident and take it legally, since Hashem said to me, 'I will give this land to your progeny.' " Hearing Avraham's sure attitude, the Hittites respected him and offered him the land.
Avraham knew who he was, he never flinched, knowing that Hashem was with him. He made his case, sell it to me or lose your right to control the land.
Sometimes we forget who we are, what is rightfully ours and who our only true ally is.
Who are you? You are a Jew, chosen to share Hashem's truth with the world. We are respected as "the" people of the book. When we teach truth the world listens. What is rightfully ours? The Torah, the whole land of Israel, and soon all the land until the Euphrates, which was promised to Avraham. Our only true ally is Hashem, and when we put our trust in Him, instead of the false promises of those who ultimately do what is their best interest, we succeed and the world respects us. It is a mistake to play by the world's rules, when our Torah laws are far superior, more meaningful and considerate.
Don't be afraid to be who you are, you will be respected by your neighbors and those you come in contact with. It is time to turn to Hashem as you come to realize, that He alone can be trusted.
Whether you see yourself as a stranger or a resident makes no difference, only your attitude matters. When you are sure of yourself because you have Hashem and His Torah, the Hittites of the world respect and follow our lead.
May we soon merit the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us all to our Holy Land and rebuild our Holy Temple, on our Temple Mountain. The whole world will be transformed and see the truth we always had.
He starts his request to the Hittites for the burial property, "I am a foreigner and a resident among you." Avraham goes on to purchase the property for 400 silver Shekels.
Why does Avraham say that he is a foreigner and a resident? What lesson can we take from Avraham's attitude?
Rashi sites the Midrash explaining Avraham's words: "If you like, I'm a stranger, if not I will soon be a resident and take it legally, since Hashem said to me, 'I will give this land to your progeny.' " Hearing Avraham's sure attitude, the Hittites respected him and offered him the land.
Avraham knew who he was, he never flinched, knowing that Hashem was with him. He made his case, sell it to me or lose your right to control the land.
Sometimes we forget who we are, what is rightfully ours and who our only true ally is.
Who are you? You are a Jew, chosen to share Hashem's truth with the world. We are respected as "the" people of the book. When we teach truth the world listens. What is rightfully ours? The Torah, the whole land of Israel, and soon all the land until the Euphrates, which was promised to Avraham. Our only true ally is Hashem, and when we put our trust in Him, instead of the false promises of those who ultimately do what is their best interest, we succeed and the world respects us. It is a mistake to play by the world's rules, when our Torah laws are far superior, more meaningful and considerate.
Don't be afraid to be who you are, you will be respected by your neighbors and those you come in contact with. It is time to turn to Hashem as you come to realize, that He alone can be trusted.
Whether you see yourself as a stranger or a resident makes no difference, only your attitude matters. When you are sure of yourself because you have Hashem and His Torah, the Hittites of the world respect and follow our lead.
May we soon merit the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us all to our Holy Land and rebuild our Holy Temple, on our Temple Mountain. The whole world will be transformed and see the truth we always had.
Until that day, may our brothers and sisters who live in the holy city of Chevron be safe. May Hashem bless them and reward them for their self sacrifice.
This was so thought provoking and meaningful to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder.
Martha