Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Sarah laugh when she heard she would have a child?
A: Sarah laughed because she found it hard to believe that she and Abraham, both very old, could have a child. Rashi explains that she doubted the possibility due to her advanced age (בְּלֹתִי - 'after I have withered') and Abraham's old age (וַאדֹנִי זָקֵן - 'my lord is old'). However, her laughter was not out of mockery but astonishment at the miracle being promised.
Q: What does the Torah teach us from Sarah's reaction?
A: The Torah teaches that even righteous individuals like Sarah may initially struggle with faith when faced with an extraordinary promise. However, Hashem later affirms that nothing is impossible for Him (Genesis 18:14). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:17) also highlights that Sarah's laughter later turned to joy when Yitzchak (Isaac) was born, whose name means 'he will laugh,' symbolizing divine fulfillment.
Q: Why does the verse say Sarah laughed 'within herself' (בְּקִרְבָּהּ)?
A: Rashi explains that Sarah laughed silently 'within herself' because she did not want to openly express disbelief in front of the divine messengers. This shows her humility and respect, despite her initial doubt. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) also notes that Sarah was more modest than Abraham in her reaction.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of miracles in Judaism?
A: This verse demonstrates that Hashem can perform miracles beyond natural limitations, even when human logic says otherwise. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) teaches that miracles are part of divine providence, and Sarah’s eventual birth of Yitzchak became a foundational miracle in Jewish history, proving G-d’s promise to Abraham’s descendants.
Q: What is the significance of Sarah referring to Abraham as 'my lord' (אדוני) in this verse?
A: Sarah’s use of 'אדוני' (my lord) reflects her deep respect for Abraham, as taught by Chazal. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:8) notes that this demonstrates the proper conduct of a righteous wife toward her husband. Additionally, Rashi points out that her phrasing emphasizes her concern that Abraham’s old age made the promise seem unlikely.
Sarah's Laughter and Its Meaning
The verse states: "וַתִּצְחַק שָׂרָה בְּקִרְבָּהּ לֵאמֹר אַחֲרֵי בְלֹתִי הָיְתָה־לִּי עֶדְנָה וַאדֹנִי זָקֵן" ("Therefore Sara laughed within herself, saying, After I am grown old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"). This occurs after the angels inform Abraham that Sarah will bear a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Sarah's laughter stemmed from astonishment rather than disbelief. He explains:
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 48:17) elaborates on Sarah's reaction:
Rambam's Perspective
Maimonides (Rambam) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:42) interprets Sarah's reaction as a natural human response to an extraordinary promise. He emphasizes that her laughter did not indicate a lack of faith but rather awe at the miraculous nature of the prophecy.
Halachic and Ethical Lessons
From this verse, we derive: