From the desk of Rabbi Shlomo Rizel

Candle Lighting Times for

Hebron:

Friday, Nov. 14

4:08 pm

Message from the Rabbi

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion tells the story of Eliezer, Abraham’s trusted servant, who was sent on an almost impossible mission to find a wife for Isaac in a faraway land. What’s fascinating is that throughout the entire story, Eliezer’s name is never mentioned. He’s simply called “the servant.”

That’s not an oversight, it’s the message. Eliezer didn’t see the mission as his project. He saw himself as a messenger, completely devoted to carrying out Abraham’s purpose. Because he didn’t make it about himself, he had the strength, clarity, and blessing to succeed.

This idea captures the essence of what will take place at the upcoming Kinus Hashluchim, the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries. Thousands of Chabad rabbis from every corner of the world will gather in Brooklyn this weekend, not for personal recognition or titles, but as humble “servants” of the same mission: to bring light, kindness, and Jewish connection wherever they are.

Each emissary, in their own city or country, faces enormous challenges. Yet like Eliezer, they succeed not because of their own power, but because they see themselves as extensions of something greater—Abraham’s legacy, the Rebbe’s vision, our collective Jewish soul.

In a world that often celebrates ego and self-promotion, the Kinus reminds us that true greatness lies in humility and purpose; in knowing that we are part of something infinitely bigger than ourselves.

Shabbat shalom from New York City,

Rabbi Rizel

Parshah in a Nutshell

Parshat Chayei Sarah

The name of the Parshah, "Chayei Sarah," means "The life of Sarah" and it is found in Genesis 23:1.

Sarah dies at age 127 and is buried in the Machpelah Cave in Hebron, which Abraham purchases from Ephron the Hittite for four hundred shekels of silver.

Abraham’s servant Eliezer is sent, laden with gifts, to Charan, to find a wife for Isaac. At the village well, Eliezer asks G‑d for a sign: when the maidens come to the well, he will ask for some water to drink; the woman who will offer to give his camels to drink as well shall be the one destined for his master’s son.

Rebecca, the daughter of Abraham’s nephew Bethuel, appears at the well and passes the “test.” Eliezer is invited to their home, where he repeats the story of the day’s events. Rebecca returns with Eliezer to the land of Canaan, where they encounter Isaac praying in the field. Isaac marries Rebecca, loves her, and is comforted over the loss of his mother.

Abraham takes a new wife, Keturah ( Hagar), and fathers six additional sons, but Isaac is designated as his only heir. Abraham dies at age 175 and is buried beside Sarah by his two eldest sons, Isaac and Ishmael.

Learn: Chayei Sarah in Depth
Browse: Chayei Sarah Parshah Columnists
Prep: Devar Torah Q&A for Chayei Sarah
Read: Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play: Chayei Sarah Parshah Quiz

Rabbi Shlomo Rizel

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Today's Quote

When the Children of Israel stood at the shore of the sea and saw the Egyptian armies closing in behind them, they split into four groups. One faction said, "Let us cast ourselves into the sea." A second faction said, "Let us return to Egypt." A third said, "Let us wage war against the Egyptians." A fourth said, "Let us cry out to G-d." But G-d rejected all four approaches and said to Moses, "Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward."

— Midrash Mechilta