How could you laugh at a time like this?
Even when her world is falling apart, Sarah laughs. And we can, too.
Welcome back to The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined. This is where I share poems and reflections about the life of the Biblical Matriarch, Sarah, and the lessons I’ve learned from taking a deep dive into her story.
In today’s post you’ll find:
A meditation on Sarah’s laughter and how it can help sustain us in challenging times.
This week’s (brief) poem, “Laughing Back.”
A Conversation with my friend and colleague Lisa Moriah, in which she indulges my (yes, I’ll admit it) obsession with Sarah, Dreams, and more.
Plus news about why I’m writing a poem a day in November … and more.
Laughing back
Traditionally, when we think about Sarah we think about a woman who is lacking something. We remember her as a barren, old woman.
But she is also a woman who laughs!
Not once, but several times in a story in which she faces dislocation, the inability to produce an heir, and promises that seem not to be coming true, Sarah responds with laughter.
Then, if we had any doubt that laughter is central to her story, there’s this:
Her son, Isaac, through whom she’ll face the crisis of her lifetime — and his — is named Laughter. (Isaac, in Hebrew, means “one who laughs.”)
Sarah’s laughter hints that she must have been a woman who was full of joy, who saw the absurdity of life, who was defiant, and complex.
And even in a life fraught with challenges, laughter and joy were at its center.
That seems to be the message of enlightened beings and great teachers from various traditions through the ages. For example, the teachings of the Dali Lama, Desmond Tutu, and the Buddha, (all of whom were well acquainted with the depths of human suffering) are peppered with smiles, laughter, jokes, and riddles.
The Baal Shem Tov, the great Jewish mystic and healer, also taught that laughter can help us transcend petty problems and transform life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for spiritual connection and growth.
Speaking of Sarah’s son, the Baal Shem Tov noted that Isaac’s name hints at the wisdom of laughter.
Read as a metaphor, the story of Isaac being bound and prepared for sacrifice by his own father can suggest that even in our darkest hour, laughter can elevate our sorrow and despair to help us connect with the source of Goodness and Compassion.
Through my own life struggles, I have come to see laughter and joy not just as a luxury for the fortunate, but as our universal birthright — and as integral to any spiritual path worth embarking on.
Sarah’s story reminds us that while laughter sometimes feels out of place, pleasure and joy are at the heart of the heart that enlivens the world.
About today’s poem, “Laughing Back”
“Laughing Back” is a brief poem (7 lines and less than 100 words) created by rearranging words selected from three passages in which Sarah Laughs:
“Then God said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I in truth bear a child, old as I am?’” Genesis 18:13
“Sarah lied, saying, ‘I did not laugh,’ for she was frightened. Came the reply, ‘You did laugh.’” Genesis 18:15
“God has brought me laughter: all who hear will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6
Listen to “Laughing Back”
©️ “Laughing Back,” Copyright Tzivia Gover, Third House Moon, LLC
The above poem and reflection are in honor of this week’s Torah portion, Vayera, which can be found in Genesis, 18:1-22:24.
I’ve got a lot to say about Sarah and Dreams, but you already knew that ;)
My friend Lisa Moriah and I sat down to talk about one of our favorite topics: Sarah! While we were at it, we also talked about
✨ dreaming as a training ground for building courage
✨ how I became (I admit it) obsessed with Sarah’s story, and
✨ whether this “Life of H” Substack publication will ever become a book
✨ plus many other things.
Rather than say more, I’ll let you listen.
Happy listening!
Support my poetry fundraiser for new immigrants
I’m Writing 30 Poems in November
Please support my campaign to write 30 Poems in November in support of new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Learn more, and please consider making a donation of any size here.
This month I am donating a portion of the proceeds from new subscriptions to this newsletter to the fundraiser as well. (Plus I’ll send you a free copy of my book Dreaming on the Page)
I’m dreaming with you,
Pick up your pen and write in one of these upcoming workshops
Dreaming on the Page Writing Circle Tues., Nov. 14.
Discover how the subconscious can serve your writing (in any genre–and for writers at all levels), and receive dream-inspired prompts to spark original, authentic writing. Tues., Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. US ET. $45 (with pay-what-you-can sliding-scale options).
Stay (Cozy) at Home and Write: A Weekend Retreat Online
Friday-Sunday Jan. 19-21 2024.
In this low-cost Write-at-Home retreat you can work on a big project or get in the flow with daily writing prompts and virtual check-ins with a community of other writers. Accessible pricing: Regular $55; Low/Fixed-Income $25; Angel Price $75. Learn more or Join Stay (Cozy) at Home and Write.