This week, the Torah portion recounts the life and death of Sarah, our first matriarch. It is called Chayei Sarah, the life of Sarah. Much of the narrative is concerned with Abraham’s need to find a spouse for his son, and his late wife’s son, Isaac. This episode fills Chapter 24 of Genesis, and is the longest chapter of the entire book – 67 verses. Maybe the length of the chapter, is a subtle hint on how stable relationships are built. They are built through time. To find a spouse is not a short story, it is a long story. Another point to consider, Isaac and Rebekah are the example for our custom of monogamous marriage. In fact, they were the only monogamous couple of our patriarchs and matriarchs.

The betrothal of Rebekah is a delightful and even romantic portion of text. It is too long

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