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Why did Sarah die from hearing about the Akedah, the greatest event in Jewish history? The shiur develops a fundamental distinction: Avrohom received Yitzchok as an undeserved gift, while Sarah earned him through her righteousness. When Sarah demanded absolute justice ("Yishpot Hashem (ה׳) beini u'veinecha"), she obligated herself to a standard where even earned rewards require gratitude—a test she could not pass.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question about Parshas Chayei Sarah: How could Sarah Imeinu die from hearing about the Akedah when the Akedah is the greatest blessing and merit of the Jewish people? Rashi (רש"י) explains that Sarah died from the anguish of hearing that Yitzchok was taken to be slaughtered, even without hearing he was spared. This seems incomprehensible—how could something so tragic result from something so spiritually exalted? Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the Baal HaTurim's comment on "v'livkosa" (and to cry for her), which has a small kaf. The Baal HaTurim explains this relates to Sarah's statement "Chamasi alecha, yishpot Hashem (ה׳) beini u'veinecha" (my grievance is upon you, may God judge between me and you) when Avrohom failed to defend her honor against Hagar. By invoking divine judgment, Sarah brought judgment upon herself, and therefore her crying is minimized—almost as if she brought her death upon herself, similar to someone who commits suicide who receives reduced mourning honors. This seems shocking given that all the Midrashim describe Sarah as being completely free from sin.
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Parshas Chayei Sarah, Bereishis 23:1-2
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