From the Desk of the Director Parshat Chayei Sarah summons us to reflect on the life of Sarah Imeinu who stands out as both Avraham’s wife and a woman in her own right. Sarah was an intelligent woman who maintained her good looks until her dying day. Always open to the weary traveler, her tent symbolized both unconditional hospitality and the Jewish woman’s non-intrusive side. Avraham called Sarah “my sister” (see also Song of Songs, 5:1), an ancient analogy to a wife of unique status. Thus Avraham consults her regarding the title “sister” before their journey to Egypt and defers to Sarah”s wishes regarding Hagar. Rashi notes that Sarah also shared responsibility for educating those who came under Avraham’s influence. We have to ask, therefore, how as a woman of valor did Sarah acquiesce to Avraham’s demands and endanger their lives in the courts of Avimelech and Pharoah? Why is she silent as she risked her honor and reputation in these foreign palaces? R. Steinsalz explains that Sarah must be seen as Avraham’s partner. For both Avraham and Sarah are addressed personally by Hashem, are referred to collectively as “Avraham veSarah,” and have an additional letter added to their names. Sarah is thus a soul mate to Avraham, working for the same goals, along the same path, united in thought, word and deed. Where Avraham goes, so does Sarah. Hence Sarah’s silence was prearranged. Despite the risks and humiliation, she had to “Say… that you are my sister… that my soul shall live because of you.” In this role Sarah serves as both modest matriarch and silent defender of the Jewish destiny. This is surely a noble example for all of us. Sincerely yours, NCSY B'YISRAEL “What do I care?” was the big question put to some 65 teens on Shabbat Parshat Vayera. They came from Lod, Ramle, Raanana, Gush Etzion, Modiin, Beit Choron, Mitzpe Yericho, Neve Tzuf, and Netanya to answer the question. They discussed relationships between people and people, and people and the nation. They talked and sang, ate and danced, and spent a great Shabbat together. On Shabbat afternoon, the group took an inspiring walk to the Kotel where they davened mincha. If you passed 22 Keren Hayesod on Saturday night and closed your eyes, you might have thought you were deep in the African Jungle. Yes, the kids were a bit rowdy…but it was the sound of 25 African drums that really captured the moment. Everyone got a chance to try out their own rhythm and pretend for a few minutes that they were really making music. In the words of one chanich from Lod: “This was the best Shabbaton I ever went to”. Wishing all those attending the Junior Shabbaton a great Shabbat! NCSY b'YisraelRabbi Michael Fredman, director Daniella Levine, Bat Sherut 22 Keren Ha'Yesod, POB 37015, Jerusalem (02) 566-7787 ext. 242 • fax: (02) 561-7432 ncsy_isr@netvision.net CHEN, the new scouting chugfor Jerusalem teens! Are you looking for outings and tough challenges? For activities with good values? For great chevra? What are you waiting for? If you're in 8,9,or 10th grade, please call Tamar Pollak, 050-750704 - until Dec. 15th - for more details and registration. Something to think about! MAKOM BALEV, Jerusalem Chapter, NCSY b'Yisrael NCSY B’Yisrael is happy to provide a new service for all 4th-7th graders. Every Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00, the new Teichman Youth Center at the Seymour Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center (the Israel Center), 22 Keren Ha’Yesod, Jerusalem, will be open for tutoring help in English, Limudei Kodesh, etc. Our devoted volunteers will be available to all who register for this help. Bring a friend! NESTO Native English-Speaking Teen Olim This Tuesday, November 28th, Fiddlin' & Food will meet at 7:30pm in the youth lounge. Our topic for the evening will be "How do Jews handle their wealth?" After watching the segment of the movie which presents the song, "If I Were a Rich Man," we will have an activity where we have to delegate a certain amount of money to various groups and personal needs. How we delegate the funds will tell us alot about what our personal values are. Due to lack of vacancies at the locales that we wanted for our December informal habbat experience, we have rescheduled that Shabbaton now to take place on January 5-6, Parshat Vayigash. The Israel Center's youth program for Anglo-Israelis tel. 566-7787 ext. 245 • fax: 561-7432 silvera@mail.biu.ac.il • www.zyworld.com/nesto Rabbi Avi Silverman, dir. • Ilana Milo, Bat Sherut [The
Chayei Sara Homepage]
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