This week, as we read Parshat Chayei Sarah, thousands of people will travel to the holy city of Chevron (Hebron) the first Jewish city, where Avraham Avinu lived and where our forefathers and foremothers are buried in the Ma’arat HaMachpelah, the Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.
Every year, during this Parsha, there is a large and inspiring gathering in Chevron. People from all over the world come together to celebrate Avraham’s purchase of the Ma’arat HaMachpelah, the first piece of land ever owned by the Jewish people in Eretz Yisrael. Over Shabbat, thousands of Jews spend time in this historic place, walking in the very footsteps of Avraham and Sarah.
There’s a special message in this story that speaks to all of us today. When the Torah describes Avraham buying the land to bury Sarah, it uses unusual words, it says the land “rose up.” Why does it say that?
Our sages explain that this means the land didn’t just change ownership — it was elevated. It became holier, filled with purpose and mission. Avraham and Sarah didn’t just live in the places they went, they lifted them up. They inspired people around them and made each place better than it was before.
This became the path for all future generations of Jews to elevate the world around us. Wherever we go, we should leave a mark of kindness, goodness, and holiness.
A small story from this week reminded me of this idea. While traveling, I found myself in an airport with 45 minutes before my flight. I decided to use that time to pray Shacharit. In the middle of the airport, I put on my Tallit and Tefillin, and my two sons, Mendel and Levi, joined me. It might have looked unusual to others, but one man came over and said, “It’s inspiring to see your children pray with such pride. What a beautiful way to start the day. I wish I had that courage.”
Even in an airport, we can bring light, pride, and inspiration just like Avraham and Sarah did so many years ago.
May we all find ways to lift up the places we go and bring more light into the world.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Zalman
