This week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah (Genesis/Bereshiet 23:1 – 25:18) essentially concludes the story of the life of the Patriarch, Abraham, but is titled the ‘Life of Sarah,’ and begins with her death at the age of 127. But this portion is perhaps THE most significant exposition of principles once known as the English Common Law in all of Scripture, by example.

The Erev Shabbat reading, from the First Land Contract, to the First “Good and Faithful Servant,” and a prototype for what constitutes marriage as well:

Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa has noted that it is surprising (but perhaps shouldn’t be!) how often the regular Torah parsha reading is so precisely on-target for what it happening in the world at that time. This one seems to be an exception. At least until we look a bit deepeer.

What does a parsha that has EVERYTHING to do with fundamental elements of the ‘common law’ matter in a week where the big issue seems to be whether the world even survives long enough for an inauguration?

The answer is in the contrast: we got here because “lawlessness abounds,” and not only has the “love of many grown cold,” but outright hatred seems to abound as well in its place.

The combined two-part teaching is here: