The Evil Satan
After the “Binding of Yitzchak ”, the evil angel, Satan, appeared to Sarah. He disguised himself as a traveler and told Sarah, “Bad news… I am sorry to inform you that your husband sacrificed your son on an altar. You will never see him again!”
“Oh No!” Sarah screamed.
Sarah wasted no time and immediately set off in the direction of Chevron to find out more information. When she arrived there, the so called traveler, a.k.a. Satan, met up with Sarah again.
“Hello it’s me again Sarah. I have good news for you! Your husband actually did place your son on the altar, but in the end, slaughtered a ram instead. Your dear son is safe and sound.”
This quick switch in emotions, from sadness and worry to happiness and joy, was an emotional rollercoaster for Sarah. Fearing her son was gone and the shock of learning he was alive was too much for her heart to bear, and at that moment, she passed away.
Avraham Mourns
Sarah was 127 years old when she passed away. Avraham was so very sad.
Many people came to comfort him and Avraham delivered a well-deserved eulogy, called a Hesped.
“Who could ever replace my wonderful wife? Sarah was so very special. She was so very generous. She hosted the thousands of guests who passed through our tent. Because of her, there are so many more people in this world who believe in one G-d! No wonder HaShem performed miracles for my wife!” cried Avraham.
Indeed, 3 great miracles occurred during Sarah’s lifetime.
Sarah would light the Shabbos candles every Friday before Shabbos and they would remain lit the entire week until the following Friday!
The Challah, Sarah baked stayed fresh all week and there was always plenty to go around.
HaShem placed a special cloud that would always rest above her tent. It was the Holy Shechinah, the Divine Presence.
After Sarah’s passing, they all disappeared.
Me’aras HaMachpeilah
Now came the time for Avraham to take care of Sarah’s burial. Avraham knew that Sarah’s burial place must be very special. He wanted to buy the Me’aras HaMachpeilah – a very holy place, where the very first man and woman, Adam and Chavah, were buried.
A man named Efron owned the cave. Avraham quickly approached him and stated, “I understand you own this cave. You see, my wife Sarah, a great woman, passed away and this is the place I wish to bury her. I am willing to pay full price.”
Efron responded, “No problem! You can have it for free.”
However, Avraham did not want the land as a gift. “No deal! I want to buy the Me’aras HaMachpeilah. Just name the price,” Avraham replied.
“Well, all right then. If you insist. The price is 400 silver Shekels,” said Efron.
Within a blink of the eye, Avraham agreed to the deal, and handed over 400 silver Shekels, in front of the entire community of Efron. Now, there would be no question about the ownership of Me’aras HaMachpeilah.
It would forever belong to Bnei Yisrael!
