Coco Duwe - Dvar Torah

Shabbat Shalom, everyone.

This week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, starts with something sad — the passing of Sarah Imenu. But even though it begins with loss, it’s actually a story about life, legacy, and the future.

After Sarah dies, Abraham doesn’t just stay stuck in his sadness. He takes action. He buys the Cave of Machpelah to bury her — the very first piece of land ever owned by the Jewish people — and then he sends his servant, Elie’zer, to find a wife for his son, Isaac

Even in such a difficult moment, Abraham focuses on building what comes next. He teaches us that while grief is real and important, what we do afterwards — how we keep moving forward — is what truly defines us.

That’s where Rebekah enters the story. When Elie’zer stops at a well, he prays that the right woman for Isaac will show herself through an act of kindness. And Rebekah appears — and she doesn’t just give Eliezer water. She also gives water to all of his camels! That might sound like a small thing, but it was actually a really big job — and it showed her kindness, strength, and generosity.

Rebekah didn’t wait for someone to tell her what to do. She saw someone who needed help and just acted. Later, when her family asks if she’s willing to leave home to marry Isaac, she says simply: “I will go.” No hesitation. Just courage and faith.

To me, Rebekah represents the kind of person — and the kind of woman — I hope to be: someone who leads with kindness, acts with confidence, and trusts her heart.

It’s not always easy to be strong in today’s world, especially while figuring out who you are. But Rebekah reminds me that real strength doesn’t always mean being loud or tough. Sometimes, it’s about being kind when it’s hard, believing in yourself, and staying true to what you know is right.

Just like Abraham and Sarah built the foundation of our people, and Rebekah carried their spirit forward, we can all do the same — by choosing compassion, courage, and faith in our own lives.

I hope that as I grow, I can carry Rebekah’s spirit with me — her kindness, her bravery, and her belief that one small act of goodness can change the world.

Before I finish, I just want to say a special thank you to my family.

This has been a huge accomplishment to have everyone here today, and to Robs, who is watching from above, we miss and love you loads — to my mom and dad for always supporting me, encouraging me, and teaching me what it means to live with kindness and purpose.

And to my grandpa, who is here today — thank you for being such an important part of my life and for always believing in me. It means so much to have you here sharing this moment with me.

And to all my friends and family who are celebrating with us, whether you’re here in person or from afar — thank you for being part of my journey and for helping make this day so special.

Shabbat Shalom.