Page 14 - HaMizrachi #14 2019 Chayei Sarah USA

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Avraham Avinu

and ‘Real’ Estate

he beginning of Parashat ever since his migration to Canaan he 2. AVRAHAM AVINU’S PERCEPTION
Chayei Sarah is well known spent much of his time traveling – to
Tfor its detailed description of and from cities – such as Shechem, In contrast, Avraham Avinu perceived
the bargaining between Avraham and Bet-El, Hebron, and Beer Sheva. his situation in an entirely different
Efron. Having never established permanent light. His wife’s death and the need for

Some claim that Efron’s intention all residence, Avraham represents no a burial site awakened his realization
that aside from a Divine promise, he
along was to attain the highest price challenge to the sovereign government had no real ‘hold’ in the Land.
possible, explaining that his generous of the Chittim.
opening offer to give Avraham the Furthermore, Avraham constantly For him, the purchase of a family
land gratis was nothing more than a ‘called out in the Name of G-d’ wher- burial plot constituted the first step
ploy. But if this assumption were cor- ever he went. His teaching had earned towards a permanent attachment to
rect, why would Sefer Bereishit find it him such a widespread reputation the Land. He wants to ensure that
necessary to discuss this event in such that Bnei Chet referred to him as his children and grandchildren will
minute detail? “nasi Elokim ata betocheinu” – you return to this site and feel a true con-
1
If, on the other hand, we assume that are a prince of G-d in our midst. As nection to the Land.
the stories of Sefer Bereishit help his career sent him constantly ‘on
develop its theme of bechira – choice, the road,’ Bnei Chet had no reason Therefore, Avraham insists on paying
then perhaps we should view this to believe that Avraham’s offspring the full price, as he has no interest at
narrative from the perspective of that would one day return to attempt to this time for handouts or gifts. He
theme. Let’s give it a try. gain sovereignty over their land. wants it known that this burial plot
and its surrounding field belong to
To better appreciate what’s going Therefore, there is no need to doubt his family. Therefore, not only does
on, let’s examine both sides of the the sincerity of their original offer Avraham insist on paying full price,
bargaining table – Bnei Chet and to grant Avraham any burial plot he he also demands that it be purchased
Avraham: desires, at no charge. Even in our in the presence of all the community
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own time, many societies express leaders.” 3
1. BNEI CHET’S PERCEPTION their appreciation for individuals who
preach morality and dedicate their In Avraham Avinu’s eyes, this is a
Efron and his people (Bnei Chet) reign entire life to G-d by offering vari-
sovereign in Hebron and the sur- ous benefits – what we call a ‘clergy momentous occasion – he has now
rounding region. As their families had discount.’ purchased his first achuza (inheri-
been living in those hills for genera- tance) in Eretz Canaan.
tions, they have every reason to think Their generous offer simply reflects
that they would continue to do so for their sympathetic understanding of 1 See Bereishit 23:6.
future generations as well. Avraham’s difficult situation – a wan- 2 Ibid. 23:5-7.
dering ‘man of G-d’ who needs a place 3 Read 23:16-20 carefully.
In their eyes, Avraham is simply a
‘wandering Jew,’ posing no threat to bury his wife. For Bnei Chet, this
whatsoever to their sovereignty. entire incident was of little signifi- Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is an
cance – Avraham posed no threat to internationally acclaimed Tanach scholar
Recall as well that Avraham had lived their future or permanent control of and online Jewish education pioneer
in Mesopotamia until age 75, and, the land. mleibtag@gmail.com

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