Dvar for Chaye Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)
Our Parsha, Chaye Sarah, records Avraham’s death and attests that he was “in good old age, old and satisfied” (25:8). Considering that Avraham amassed great wealth during his lifetime, why is his being satisfied with what he had mentioned as a positive attribute of his life?
Rabbi Henach Leibowitz explains that while most people are always striving for more wealth in pursuit of perceived happiness, Avraham was always content with whatever he had. Perhaps that is why the Torah tells us that he died in a good old age, and not just old age. The quality of our lives hinges on our attitude and perspective. Despite our challenging past or uncertain future, being happy in the present is the correct path to eternal happiness and satisfaction.