Shalom!

 
Our parashah begins with the story of the acquisition of a burial plot for Sarah by Avraham. Then we continue with the story about those who are left behind following Sarah's death. The parashah is a legacy about the Life of Sarah ironically beginning with her death and finishing with Rebekah entering Sarah's tent to be with Isaac. The search for the bride is the result of the first prayer for divine guidance in the Torah. It was the prayer from the heart of a faithful servant who loved his beloved master:
 
Bereshith/Genesis 24:12 Then he said, "O YHWH Elohim of my master Avraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Avraham.
 

As the servant continues to pray, his request is answered before he has even finished:

 
Bereshith/Genesis 24:15 And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rivkah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Avraham's brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.
 

It is interesting when a prayer is answered before one is even finished speaking. There are other moments when this happens. During the time of the new heavens and the new earth -

 
Isaiah 65:24 " It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.
 
As another example, Daniel is seeking YHWH Elohim of the covenant and passionately confessing the sins of the people. Daniel acknowledges that all calamity has come upon them because as written in the Torah, they have not listened to the Voice of the Holy One. He continues to beg YHWH to forgive them, to again shine His face on them, and to see the people who are called by His Name. For better context, read the 9th chapter of Daniel. Now read how the answer to this powerful prayer comes about:
 
Daniel 9:23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision: 24 "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.
 

Do you want your prayers answered? It appears that a quick answer is preceeded by repentance and a sincere love for the needy. YHWH Elohim speaks of the heart He is looking for:

 
Isaiah 58:6 " Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of YHWH shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and YHWH will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 YHWH will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
 
The legacy of Sarah continues with the selection of Rivkah. Just a few details about Rivkah and why she was the perfect choice as the next matriarch:
  1. She is from the same land as Avraham and is in fact his grand-niece (Gen 24:67)
  2. Like Avraham, she quickly responds to the need for hospitality and granting kindness.
  3. From unexpected guests, both Rivkah and Avraham hear unexpected news that directly affects the future of Yitzchak, along with the assurances of His promises (Gen 18:14, 24:48)
  4. She is decisive like Avraham. When presented with the call to leave her country and her family, like Avraham she responds without hesitation (Gen 24:55-58)
  5. Like Sarah, she is beautiful. She will never meet her mother-in-law, but she becomes a comfort to the bereaved Yitzchak. (Gen 24:67)
Now, some news about the Land of Israel. Yesterday fires broke out in several locations. One place was the city of Zichron Ya'acov where many of our community live. Firefighters with the aid of fire-fighting planes battled the blazes fueled by extremely high winds and dry conditions. A number of homes were destroyed by the flames and a few people were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. But, todah la'El, we have not heard that there were serious injuries. We heard stories of how because of the wind, embers hopped and skipped over certain houses and scattered around, making it difficult to know where fire would spring up next. People took watches through the night where embers were still hot. There were many miracles, and many answers to prayers, still to be fully recounted by those who were there. One resident whose house was completely destroyed said this, "What happened here, is not a disaster or tragedy. It is damage. What happened in Carmel (December 2010) was disaster and tragedy (referring to a fire which took the lives of 44 and forced the evacuation of thousands). That's what matters."
 
Our young friend described to us what it was like last night in Zikron Ya'acov. The electricity was off and the normally lit up streets were dark. With the sounds of sirens, the heavy smoke and the sight of firefighters, it felt like a war zone. Except for the light of a couple of community houses which were lit by generators. Light in a dark place. It was a comfort. Our God is a consuming fire, yet we can see how in the midst of the fire, He can provide safety for His people. Our friend told us that even the small children had the smell of fire on their clothing, but there was joy and the sound of rejoicing in the midst of it all. Todah la'El for His mercies and His grace!
 

 
Shabbat Shalom!
Ardelle