This week's Torah portion, Vayeira, begins with Avraham welcoming guests into his home and ends with the announcement of the birth of Rivka, our future Matriarch.

Avraham and Sarah dedicated their lives to bringing light into the world through kindness, faith, and welcoming others. Rivka would continue that legacy.

Our Sages teach that Sarah's tent was blessed with three miracles: her Shabbat candles burned from one Friday to the next, her dough was blessed, and a cloud of Hashem's presence rested above her tent. After Sarah's passing, these blessings disappeared, but they returned when Rivka entered the tent.

These three blessings are reflected in three special mitzvos entrusted to Jewish women: Challah, family purity, and Shabbat candles. They are even hinted to in the name Chana — חנ״ה.

Tonight, we have the joy of celebrating Chana's birthday and our Rivka turning three and beginning to light her own Shabbat candle.

What a meaningful reminder that the light of Sarah and Rivka continues to shine in Jewish homes through every generation.

Even a small child, lighting one little candle, can bring tremendous light into the world. And each of us, through a mitzvah, a kind word, or a caring act, can bring more warmth and holiness into our homes and the lives of others.

Shabbat Shalom!
Light candles at 5:32 pm
Shabbat ends at 6:32 pm

This week, we'd also like to share a special essay written by my father, Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, of blessed memory. With his characteristic warmth, creativity, and personal approach to Torah, he reminds us that Avraham and Sarah are not simply figures from long ago, but our own grandparents, whose values and legacy continue through each of us.

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY BUBBY AND ZEIDY

Nowadays, even bumper stickers are telling us about grandchildren. But not many people are talking about their grandparents. My "grandparents" were wonderful, exceptional people. Their official biography has already been published, yet I would like to add a personal touch, from a "grandson." They are portrayed as "Biblical characters," but I prefer to think of them as the real people they were. Zeidy and Bubby sound more personal than Patriarch and Matriarch.

Zeidy Avraham was a curious young boy with an independent mind. He did some research and made his own discoveries. Although he didn't get a formal "Torah education," he observed every letter of the law. Once he made up his mind, nothing could stop him. G‑d's wish was his command, and he made great personal sacrifices for his ideals.

Zeidy and Bubby Sarah had an open home. They were very hospitable to wayfarers, offering food, drink and a com­fortable place to sleep. They reached out to their fellowman. They were very religious themselves, but that didn't keep them apart from others. On the contrary, Zeidy was concerned even for the very wicked, praying for them and doing his best to get them out of trouble.

Bubby was gentle yet strict. Her one child meant the world to her. She was very selective about her son's playmates, strongly insisting on a child safe environment, steering away from negative influences. Although she had a hard life, she knew how to laugh. Others may not have appreciated it, but that's an inside joke.

Zeidy and Bubby struggled a lot at first, moving often. They eventually settled down as pioneers in Israel, long before it became a country. They survived a famine and helped refugees and displaced persons during the war.

As the years went on, Zeidy was blessed with wealth, a good name and reputation, and a growing family. He was a caring father, a loving and listening husband. May Zeidy's and Bubby’s memory be a blessing to us all.

By a loving grandson,

Yisroel Rubin ... See MoreSee Less