Chayei Sarah — The Life of Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18)
When the main character dies
in the second sentence, you hope,
at least, for a feature-length flashback
showing how we got here.
This is not what we get. Instead
life goes on. A cave is purchased
for her rest. The children marry.
There is much begetting.
I’d give you the details but
this homework is your obligation.
At the risk of a major spoiler I’ll tell you this –
her husband doesn’t make it.
But we still say their names.
Sarah, Abraham – thousands of years
after their final rest, every week
or every day depending on
how you were raised or what
tradition you found. Our lives are
the things we do, but our legacy
is what happens after we’re gone.
We are the promise made to her.
We are the stars in the sky.
We carry her name in every breath.
We are the life of Sarah.
Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 29 books including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.” Visit him at www.JewishPoetry.net
