In this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, we read about Abraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpelah to bury his beloved wife, Sarah. This purchase marked the first time a Jew acquired a portion of the land of Israel, not as a gift, but through a deliberate act of purchase. Despite the Hittites’ willingness to gift the land to him, Abraham insisted on paying its full price, thus establishing without dispute that this land was his by rightful possession.

Where did this willingness of the Hittites to give the land to Abraham for free come from?

Two weeks ago we read how G-d commanded Abraham to, “Go forth from your land… to the land that I will show you”. G-d promised this land to Abraham and his descendants, and Abraham walked its length and breadth, cementing its spiritual connection to his family. This sense of ownership and connection to the land was so obvious to Abraham and to all the people of his generation, that they thought it was absurd that Abraham would pay money to acquire land that was rightfully his. Abraham, however, knew that there would be naysayers in the future, therefore he purchased the land, marking a moment in history where a portion of the land of Israel became undisputed Jewish property.

Abraham’s determination to acquire the land with absolute clarity demonstrates his unwavering faith and strength. The Hittites, recognizing his confidence and integrity, acknowledged him as “a prince of God among us”. Today, as we face challenges to our right to the land of Israel, we must remember Abraham’s example. It is through certainty, unity, and faith in our Divine mission that we strengthen our claim to the land. Abraham’s legacy teaches us that our connection to the land is not only a matter of history but a Divine covenant we must uphold with confidence and clarity.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zushe Cunin