Our support can help alleviate suffering devar Torah on parashat Hayai Sarah 5782

Suffering comes to all of us and no one can suffer for us. Even so, we can be supported in those difficult times by the prayers and understanding of loved ones and friends. It’s when we are too proud to admit our need to others that we are in the greatest danger.

The Sequoia tress of California tower as much as 300 feet above the ground. Strangely, these giants have unusually shallow root systems that reach out in all direction to capture the greatest amount of surface moisture. Seldom will you see a redwood standing alone, because high winds would quickly uproot it. That’s why they grow in clusters. Their intertwining roots provide support for one another against the storms.

Support is exactly what Isaac needed and wanted after his mother Sarah passed away. You can imagine how close mother and son were. He was her baby (no matter how old he was) born to her when she was already old. He made her laugh; consequently, he bore the name Yitzhak which comes from the Hebrew root of laughter. She protected him from his big step brother Ishmael’s evil influences by having Abraham send Ishmael and his mother Hagar away from the camp. You can imagine the blow Sarah’s death was to Isaac.

Isaac’s wife Rebekah was that support he so long for and needed. The Torah records “…and he took Rebekah as his wife, Isaac loved her, and thus found comfort after his mother’s death.” (24:67) According to the Midrash “As long as Sarah was alive, a light shone over her tent (signifying the divine Presence). When she died, it disappeared. When Rebekah arrived, it returned (Gen. R. 60:16) Rebekah does not replace Isaac’s mother; she fills the emotion void in his life.” (see the Etz Hayyim commentary on pg. 138-9 below the line). Please note the specific word sequence in the above verse. Only after Rebekah became his helpmate and support system, was Isaac comforted after his mother’s death.

We need to follow Rebekah’s example. Let us be alert for opportunities to lend our support to others who are lonely, anxious or suffering. Remember these people need more than sympathy, they need companionship. Praying for them doesn't hurt either