It’s All Good

“Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, twenty years, and seven years …” (Bereishis 23:1)

Rashi states here that all of Sarah’s years were equally good. Also, when she was one hundred years old, she was like a twenty-year-old regarding sin; and when she was twenty, she was like a seven-year-old with regard to beauty.

The Medrash Bereishis Rabbah (53:14)tells us that Hagar displayed a lack of faith when she filled her flask with water from the well that suddenly appeared before her in the desert. After all, Hashem had just provided for her. Would He not continue to be concerned for her wellbeing?

It is difficult to understand this criticism. After all, a person is obligated to take practical actions to achieve his goals, even while keeping in mind that it is Hashem who controls his ability to succeed in that endeavor. How did Hagar fall short, then, in preparing a little water so that Yishmael should not become dehydrated again?

This can be clarified with a parable. As the king was riding in his chariot, he saw a poor emaciated man sitting on the side of the road crying. The king stopped the chariot, brought the man into his carriage, and said to him: “You no longer have to cry. All your needs will be taken care of by me.” The destitute man was delighted. Then he remembered that he had left behind a small piece of stale bread smeared with some fish oil that he had been eating. He asked the king to stop the carriage so that he could retrieve the bread. The king got very angry and scolded him, “You fool! I just promised you that all your needs would be taken care of by me, and you’re concerned about a piece of stale bread with fish oil on it, that is not fit for human consumption?!!”

Here too, Hashem had demonstrated an extraordinary closeness to Hagar and was concerned about her needs, but she didn’t consider the reality that she was in Hashem’s hands! Instead, she went and filled up the flask with water for the road.

This illustrates the difference between Sarah Imeinu and Hagar. No matter Sarah’s circumstances, no matter her challenges – whether she was childless or abducted by Pharaoh and Avimelech – all her years were good. She was secure and trusted in Hashem.

The Chidah notes that the first word of the pasuk “vayiheyu – they were” is a palindrome, with the word reading the same both ways. This alludes to the words of Rashi that all of Sarah’s years, from beginning to end, were equally good, unlike Rivkah, who said (Bereishis 27:46),“I am disgusted with my life,” and not like Rachel, who said (Bereishis 30:1),“I am dead.” Sarah lived her entire life with optimism and happiness, even when she experienced travails and hardships. This level of sanguinity is possible when one realizes that he is not in this world to make a life, but rather to do the will of Hashem. One has to invest effort, with the understanding that Hashem controls the outcome. When the inhabitants of Yerushalayim were under rocket attack, everyone ran into the shelters, including the Brisker Rav. However, when he needed a sefer that he didn’t have with him, he left the shelter in order to get it, despite the fact that the rocket fire was heavier than usual.

Someone asked: What is one’s obligation when there is danger outside?

The Brisker Rav replied: So many missiles are falling outside that it makes no difference whether I remain indoors or go out. I therefore decided that there was no longer an obligation for hishtadlus – making any effort.

An interesting interpretation is suggested with regard to “when she was one hundred years old, she was like a twenty-year-old.” Chapter 20 of Tehillim is a prayer recited in a time of distress. Chapter 100 of Tehillim talks about giving thanks to Hashem, serving Him with joy. Sarah’s approach to life was the same in challenging times as in times of happiness. All her years were equally good.

The renowned medical expert in Eretz Yisrael who has saved many lives, Rabbi Elimelech Fierer, once met up with a wealthy individual at the Kosel HaMaaravi at 2:00 in the morning. As they stood together in the cold rainy weather, they heard a Yid standing in front of them crying bitterly. No Jewish heart can stand idly by and do nothing, so R’ Fierer turned to the wealthy man and observed: If a Yid is crying like that, it probably means he either has no money or there is some health problem. Let us speak to him and undertake to help him. If it is a health issue, I will help; if it is a matter of money, you will be able to help him.

The two approached the Yid and asked him: Why are you crying so much? We want to help you. Do you need money or are you in a different difficult situation? We can surely help.

The Yid looked at them, confused, and said, “Everything is good. I am here after the wedding of my daughter, overcome with joy. I came to thank Hashem with a heart overflowing with emotion that I merited to marry off my daughter to an outstanding young man.”

We read in Tehillim (37:25),“I was young, I also aged, and I have not seen a righteous man forsaken …” Our commentaries ask: How can the pasuk say “I have not seen a righteous man forsaken”? In fact, we do find righteous men and women who have difficult times and do not have all they need. The answer is that these righteous people understand that whatever Hashem does is for the best. They are thankful for that which they have, and if they don’t have, they know that such is the will of Hashem.

The pasuk is telling us: I have never met a righteous person who felt that Hashem had abandoned him. He knows that the Divine providence governs our entire lives.