This week, two contrasting images filled my social media feeds: Omer Adam and Boy George celebrating Jewish and Israeli pride in packed arenas, and decisive electoral victories in the US for candidates who ran on largely anti-Israel platforms. At a time when Israel feels increasingly isolated, the strength of character displayed in Parshat Chayei Sarah reminds us to stand tall and remain proud of who we are.

Avraham sends his servant to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak. Rivka emerges as the ideal match, embodying the finest qualities of both Avraham and Sarah. The Midrash describes her as a “lily among thorns,” a tzadeket who stood out among her dishonest family and community. Like other great biblical leaders, she demonstrates hesed and compassion, not only toward Eliezer but also toward his camels. She then shows remarkable courage in leaving her family and homeland to marry Yitzchak, echoing Avraham and Sarah’s uncertain lech lecha journey.

Rashi famously teaches that when Sarah died, the miracles associated with her tent ceased: Shabbat candles that burned from one Erev Shabbat to the next, blessed dough, and a cloud hovering above her tent. When Rivka entered Sarah’s tent, these miracles returned, symbolizing the light, abundance, and divine presence that characterized both women. Later, according to several commentaries, Rivka displays the moral clarity to ensure that Yaakov receives the rightful bracha, even when Yitzchak fails to recognize it.

According to one Midrash, Avraham is called HaIvri because “the entire world stood on one side, and he stood on the other (ever).” Like Avraham, Rivka models the courage to remain true to her values and convictions, even when standing alone. Their moral clarity and inner strength offer a powerful model of inspiration for Jews and Israel today. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson