Parshas Chayei Sarah for Kids
פרשת חיי שרה
Sarah's life ends and Avraham buys the Me'aras HaMachpeilah to bury her. Then Eliezer is sent to find a wife for Yitzchak, and he knows he has found her when a girl at a well draws water for ten thirsty camels without being asked.
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What happens in Parshas Chayei Sarah
Sarah Imeinu passes away at one hundred and twenty seven, and Rashi teaches that all her years were equally good. Avraham Avinu mourns for her and buys the Me'aras HaMachpeilah in Chevron, paying the full price so that it will belong to his family forever. Then he sends his loyal servant Eliezer back to his homeland to find a wife for Yitzchak.
At the well outside the city, Eliezer davens for a sign: the right girl will offer water not only to him but to his camels too. Before he finishes, Rivka comes and does exactly that, drawing water for all ten thirsty camels. Rashi tells us the water even rose up toward her. Rivka agrees to go, and when she arrives Yitzchak is out in the field davening Minchah. Rashi explains that the blessings of Sarah's tent returned when Rivka came: the Shabbos candles stayed lit all week, the dough was blessed, and a cloud rested above the tent.
Lessons and middos for children
Chessed
Rivka did more than she was asked and watered all ten camels. When we help, we can try to do a little extra.Tefillah
Eliezer davened before doing his job, and Yitzchak davened in the field. We can ask Hashem for help with anything, big or small.Kavod for others
Avraham Avinu honored Sarah Imeinu with a special resting place. We show respect and care for the people in our family.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- What sign did Eliezer ask Hashem for at the well?
- How many camels did Rivka give water to? How much water do you think that was?
- What are the three special things that came back to Sarah's tent when Rivka arrived?
- What is something kind you could do this week that nobody asked you to do?
How your child steps into the story
Your child is at the well with Eliezer and his camels, watching Rivka lower her jug again and again until every camel has had its fill. The story ends as a new family begins, with a look ahead to the twins who will soon be born to Yitzchak and Rivka.