Chayei Sara – 5786
I Hear The Train
Rabbi Dovid Yachnes
Men's Programming
This past Monday night I was preparing myself to embrace the “frigid” Orlando weather forecasted for the following morning. All of a sudden I heard a chime on my phone. I looked to see that on our family chat, my brother posted the following. “I hear the train.” These four words suddenly warmed my heart and put a big smile on my face. I began reminiscing back to when we were growing up in Miami. We lived quite a distance from the train tracks, but when the weather dipped below 50°, in the early hours of the morning, we would be awakened by the not-so-faint sound of the train’s whistle in the far distance. And we knew exactly what that meant… Oatmeal with delicious hot cocoa for breakfast! A special treat to warm and comfort us before beginning that cold Florida day! But even more it was the demonstration of the love and support we needed to “take on” the day.
Well, early the next morning, before my kids got up, I rushed to the store and picked up some delicious hot cocoa (and waffles) so they too could take on the day.
In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the passing of our Matriarch Sarah. Rashi comments that during Sarah’s life, three consistent miracles occurred in her home. The Friday night candles stayed lit all week long, the Challah dough was always in abundance, and the clouds of God’s glory hovered the tent. This was an indication of Sarah’s righteousness. However, when Sarah passed away, these miracles stopped. Yitzchok, Sarah’s only child, mourned her loss and could not be consoled. The home was not the same. However, the Torah reveals that after three years, Yitzchok marries Rivka and brings her home. It was only then that he felt comforted. Rashi explains that in the merit of his new wife, Rivka, those original three miracles that occurred when his mother was alive, began again. Seeing and reliving these miracles once more provided Yitzchok with comfort and gave him the strength to “take on” the day.
Life presents us with small challenges and big challenges. Sometimes it feels hard to push through. However, if we can grab hold of something big like a great miracle, or even something small like a hot cocoa, we can find the strength and comfort needed to take on the day.
So I ask you what is your “I hear the train” moment??
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