By Rabbi Ari Enkin, Rabbinic Director, United with Israel
Our sages teach us that the “tests” God gave Abraham were in order for him to see all the positive aspects, the silver linings, in all his perceived troubles and experiences.
This week’s Torah portion is Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18). In it, we read about how Abraham purchased the Machpela Cave in Hebron as a burial place for his wife Sarah.
But like most things in Abraham’s life, things did not go too smoothly during the course of this real-estate transaction. Its owner, Efron, was a talented and certified con artist. He played with his words, changed the price, and then tried to steal more money from Abraham.
No, Abraham didn’t have it easy – but he was determined. This is because Avraham knew that the Machpela Cave was the burial place of Adam and Eve and that it was destined to be the burial place for most of the other patriarchs and matriarchs as well. Negotiations for the Machpela Cave were so stressful that our sages call it one of the “tests” that Avraham faced on his journey to becoming the father of the Jewish people.
Keep in mind that poor Abraham has had a slew of such let-downs. God told him to go to the Land of Canaan and that he would be blessed there. But as we know, it really didn’t work that way. As soon as Abraham arrived, “there was a famine in the land”. And later on God promised Abraham he would have a son who would be one of the patriarchs of the Jewish people…and then He tells Abraham to go slaughter the son!
Jews flock to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, April 17, 2014. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
But back to this week’s Torah portion and the Machpela Cave. If God promised the land to Abraham just a short while ago, why is he now negotiating for a burial spot in Hebron like there’s no tomorrow? If he was promised the land, why did God make him go through all these negotiations? Why the emotional roller coaster? Why does Abraham encounter one “test” after another?
Our sages teach us that the “tests” God gave Abraham were in order for him to see all the positive aspects, the silver linings, in all his perceived troubles and experiences.
In each of Abraham’s tests, there were silver linings and subtle acts of kindness, and his job was to find them. For example, in the case of Abraham’s troubles in acquiring the Machpela Cave, the silver lining was that in the end, Abraham’s greatness was recognized and he was ultimately treated with great respect, even as royalty. He was given the title Adoni [Master” ,which was a fulfillment of the earlier blessing of “I will bless you and I will make your name great.” Many doors were opened for him after this experience.
We all suffer troubles and let-downs. But when you do, what is your response? Do you give up? Explode? Rebel? Or do you seek the bright side of a difficult challenge? Abraham’s tests were not about the experience – they were about growth, reflection and the after-effects. It is the attitude we must all have when facing difficult times. Even when things aren’t going right or not as planned, look at the bright side! There is almost always a grain of comfort or something to smile about! Remember – some of God’s greatest kindnesses are the unanswered prayers.