Chayei Sarah - Our Public Face By Rabbi Aron Tendler This week's
Parsha begins with the first recorded land purchase in the
Torah. In order to secure a burial plot for Sarah, Avraham
purchased the Cave of Machpelah and its surrounding field. He
negotiated with Ephron Hachiti who priced the field on the high
end of the market, 400 newly minted silver shekels. Avraham
agreed to pay the asking price and immediately paid Ephron. The
transaction was dully ratified and witnessed by the gathered
community. Why did the Torah devote so many verses to this
acquisition? Why emphasize that Avraham immediately paid the
asking price? Why is it important for us to know that the
community witnessed the transaction? Parshas Chayei Sarah is the
third installment in the developing story of Avraham and the
Chosen People. The story began in Lech Lecha when Avraham was 75
years old. His escape to Egypt, the separation from Lot, his
victorious battle against the Four Kings, his encounter with
Avimelech, his circumcision and the for