October 28, 2021 / 22 Mar Cheshvan, 5782 • Parshat Chayei Sarah
Issue 690
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

Lighting Up the World

Isaac brought Rebecca into the tent of his mother Sarah

Genesis 24:67


Although Abraham lit the Shabbat candles after Sarah’s passing (for he observed all the Torah’s commandments), his candles did not remain lit throughout the week, as Sarah’s had. But when Rebecca began kindling

the Shabbat lights, her candles continued to burn miraculously the whole week.

This demonstrates the unique ability of Jewish women and girls—who are

all “daughters” of Sarah and Rebecca—to influence the spiritual character

of the home, illuminating it with the holiness of the Shabbat throughout the ensuing mundane week. Although the illumination provided by their candles might be physically visible for only a limited time, their spiritual illumination continues throughout the entire week.



—from Daily Wisdom #1