This week’s Torah portion begins with the death of Sarah, though it is called the “life of Sarah.” This paradox has provoked many commentaries.
Of course, when someone dies, we can see the totality of his or her life. But as I’ve learned in writing my mother-in-law’s biography, giving “life” to one who has passed away means that we keep them with us by remembering them, and by sharing the lessons of their experience with future generations.
That is what Abraham does, in buying Sarah’s burial plot and protecting her enduing legacy by finding an appropriate wife for her son, Isaac.
Ultimately, Abraham, too, passes away. Curiously, Ishmael — Abraham’s other son, whom he sends way with his mother, the maidservant Hagar — reappears to help Isaac bury their father.
Whatever pain existed in their relationship in the past, they set it aside in an early example of what it means to honor one’s father and mother — even if one’s feelings may be complicated.
Today, the burial site of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebeccah, Jacob, and Lean remains in Hebron. It is a flashpoint — at times, a deadly one — between Muslims and Jews.
But Ishmael and Isaac remain capable of setting the past aside, and moving forward together toward peace.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
