An engineer was hired to repair factory machinery. His proposal: $10,000. The company balked at the cost and hired a cheaper alternative. Months later, after repeated failures, they called the original engineer. He spent mere minutes inspecting the machine, struck it once with a hammer, and the machine worked. When the manager hesitated to pay $10,000 for “five minutes of work,” the engineer replied, “You are not paying me for five minutes of work; you are paying for the years of education and experience that I brought to my five minutes of work.”
This story reminds us that the true value of work often exceeds what is immediately visible. It connects beautifully to this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah. Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury Sarah. Ephron initially offers the land as a gift, but Abraham insists on paying the full price — ultimately 400 shekels of silver, above the going rate.
Why does Abraham insist? Because he understands that this is not just about land. It is a sacred transaction: securing a legitimate claim, creating a lasting legacy, and honoring the covenant. The price reflects not only the monetary cost but the moral and spiritual value of the act. No sum is too high for what is truly meaningful.
At the same time, Ephron’s behavior reminds us to be vigilant. Many of us — especially as we grow older — encounter people who seek to take advantage of vulnerability: contractors, medical providers, even funeral services or grave arrangements. Experience teaches us that not everyone respects the true value of what we need or deserve. The Torah’s message is clear: it is ethical to expect fair payment, but it is unethical to exploit another’s vulnerability. Both buyers and sellers are called to act with honesty, fairness, and decency.
We see echoes of this in our modern economy as well. Consider tariffs and trade barriers, which can raise prices in ways that obscure the true value of goods. Consumers and small businesses are sometimes left paying more without understanding why. Just as Abraham insisted on a fair and transparent transaction — paying the full price rather than accepting a gift with hidden costs — so too must we seek honesty and fairness in all our dealings. And just as Ephron should not have exploited Abraham’s need, governments, corporations, and individuals alike bear responsibility not to take advantage of others, even within complex systems. The principle is the same: whether in ancient Canaan or the global marketplace, integrity must guide our exchanges.
The lesson is timeless: ethical transactions are not just about economics — they are about respect, character, and human dignity. Abraham’s purchase teaches us that value is more than a price tag, and that every exchange carries moral weight.
As we enter Shabbat tonight, may we reflect on our own lives and choices: Are we honoring the value of others? Are we acting with fairness in the ways we give and receive? If we do, we can create a world where commerce, like community, becomes an expression of justice and compassion.
Shabbat Shalom