The life of Sarah was for the sake of Yitzchak; her will was expressed in the entire Parsha, even to Yishmael
The Jewish people need to proclaim that historically no part of the Land belongs to Yishmael
Avrohom was not able to break the decree separating the heavens and the earth, but he did accomplish making known the name of G-d in the minds of people; this avodah occurred only as a result of the command of Lech Lecha
Three blessings/miracles are listed by Rashi in order of level and occurrence; these impressed Yitzchak about Rivkah’s righteousness see table
Jewish girls as young as three should light Shabbos candles
After the death of Sarah, the avodah of Avrohom was to “add” in the cleansing of evil by causing a “birth” of new methods (Rabbi Tarfon and יוחני)
Adding to one’s level in holiness, can affect another to the degree of “causing birth” of a new connection above usual method
The miracle of the lights burning on Chanukah is similar to the miracle of the Shabbos lights of Sarah & Rivkah
Miracle of Chanukah contains an addition in quality, quantity, and burning without consuming
The level of Kabalas Ol, thru study of Chassidus, especially in the morning, establishes the ability to bring light into the world without being consumed by the world
Torah emphasizes the years of Sarah and Avrohom in 3 general stages for a new concept in each age group (Rashi only explained Sarah since Avrohom is obvious in the Torah); However, the listing of years by Yishmael were to provide praise for Yaakov in comparison; Yishmael’s teshuvah by 100 years, his power by 30 years and being clean from sin at 7, were not comparable to Yaakov’s accomplishments
Baalei Teshuvah do not go by normal stages of progression, but can accomplish much in a single moment
The Zohar mentions 3 different views of “time” in regards to teshuvah
Three Stages of Teshuva (Zohar)
- תשובה תתאה בעולם המעשה קיצור סור מרע מלכות שעתא
- אריכות אבל למעלה ועשה טוב ז"א יומא
- בעולם המוחין קיצור ולמעלה בקש שלום (תורה) בינה רגע
