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Rabbanit Shani Taragin
SACSRaraIhF'sICE Mizrachi
Educators
A sk any child of the first Sarah, but we hear of her final act of by looking at him as a “na’ar” (lad) and
story that comes to mind sacrifice. She had already selflessly not necessarily as his “ben” (son).
on Rosh Hashanah and they initiated the relinquishing of her
will probably say “Akeidat Yitzchak” potential status as primary matriarch Sarah’s greatness is highlighted by her
– Avraham’s willingness to sacrifice when she gave her maidservant Hagar foil character. Sarah is willing to forfeit
Yitzchak. But Chazal direct our attention to Avraham as a wife to ensure the her own status for the sake of her “ben,”
to other stories too. Rabbi Eliezer fulfillment of G-d’s plan.5 The ensuing whereas Hagar – alone with Yishmael
teaches us that many seminal events story, which takes place 13 years after in the desert – casts him afar to die
occurred on Rosh Hashanah: the world the birth of Hagar’s son, Yishmael, as a “yeled” (i.e. child vs. son). Hagar
was created, Joseph was released from recounts G-d’s covenant (Brit Milah) detaches herself from her own son in his
prison, the harsh labor in Egypt ended, with Avraham – he will bear a great time of greatest need!
and Sarah, Rachel and Chana were all nation but through Sarah, not Hagar.
remembered as they conceived.1 The juxtaposition of these stories This is the message with which we open
The stories of G-d remembering these underscores the connection between Rosh Hashanah – Sarah’s willingness
barren women are so central to the day Sarah’s sacrifice of her future and her to forfeit her own status for the sake of
that we read their respective narratives ultimate reward. But that is not the end her progeny. We too must be willing to
as the Torah and Haftarah readings on of the story. submit ourselves to G-d’s will, and when
Rosh Hashanah,2 to ensure a proper After weaning Yitzchak, Sarah sees we do, we are rightfully rewarded. Sarah
mindset and focus on the “Day of Yishmael “assuming” Yitzchak’s role Immeinu reminds us (as does Avraham
Remembrance.” in Avraham’s eyes. After all, for 13 Avinu in the second day’s reading) that
Chana’s story reminds us of personal years Avraham Avinu was convinced our role is not to wait passively to see
and national prayers and commitment3 that Yishmael was the promised the products of a relationship between
whilst Rachel’s tears, recounted by child and presumably educated him G-d and Am Yisrael, but to initiate with
Jeremiah, remind us to cry and beseech appropriately. Sarah Immeinu recognizes fortitude, confidence and sacrifice as we
G-d for mercy. What is the central that Yitzchak is to fulfill that role and actively demonstrate our belief in the
message behind the first of the Torah Yishmael’s presence in the household covenants forged with G-d!
readings though, i.e. the story of Sarah is a distraction. However, she does
giving birth to Yitzchak followed by not ask Avraham to send out his son; 1 Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a.
Yishmael’s banishment from Avraham’s instead, she presents the quandary as a 2 Megillah 31a.
home? At first glance, we marvel at the choice between wives – “Cast out this 3 Samuel I, 1-2.
miraculous phenomenon of barren, bondwoman and her son; for the son 4 Genesis 21.
post-menopausal Sarah Immeinu of this bondwoman shall not be heir 5 Ibid. 16.
and recognize that G-d judges and with my son, even with Yitzchak.” Sarah
remembers everyone on Rosh Hashanah. implores Avraham to look at Yishmael Rabbanit Shani Taragin is Educational
But the birth of Yitzchak is only as Hagar’s son, and Yitzchak as her son, Director of World Mizrachi and Religious
recounted in the first seven verses of the and to choose between the mothers, Zionists of America–Mizrachi and a
chapter!4 What is the significance of the recognizing that Yitzchak is meant to senior educator in women's higher
continuation of the story? inherit Avraham’s legacy. educational institutions in Israel
We do not just read about the fulfillment G-d then confirms Sarah’s perspective
of the Divine promise of a son through and reassures Avraham that he should
begin to detach himself from Yishmael
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