Jerusalem Lights explores Keturah’s identity, Abraham’s cryptic “gifts,” and the origins of Eastern spirituality rooted in Abrahamic wisdom.
This week’s Jerusalem Lights podcast dives headfirst into one of the Torah’s most intriguing and often misunderstood passages: the opening verses of Chayei Sarah, where Abraham—after Sarah’s passing—takes a new wife named Keturah, and sends her children “eastward,” bearing mysterious “gifts.”
But who exactly was Keturah?
And what were these “gifts” powerful enough to justify Abraham separating these children from Isaac, his covenantal heir?
Rabbi Chaim Richman and Jim Long unpack ancient teachings that peel back layers of secrecy surrounding this brief, cryptic episode. The Sages long hinted that Keturah may in fact be Hagar, restored and spiritually elevated. Her new name—Keturah, “fragrance” or “incense”—symbolizes purity, transformation, and renewed closeness to G-d.
Even more electrifying is their discussion on the “gifts” Abraham gave to Keturah’s children. Classical commentaries—from Rashi to the Zohar—describe these as esoteric knowledge, spiritual techniques, and deep metaphysical understanding. According to the podcast, these very teachings may have seeded elements of Eastern mystical traditions, echoing Abraham’s spiritual legacy across civilizations.
This raises a profound possibility:
Was Abraham’s dispersion of these sons part of G-d’s broader plan to shape humanity—fulfilling the divine promise that Abraham would become “the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen. 17:5)?
Richman and Long explore how this moment in Torah history forms a hidden bridge between Jewish spirituality and later world traditions, illuminating the global influence of Abraham’s wisdom.
The hosts note the reduced audio quality this week, apologizing for technical difficulties beyond their control—but the content remains some of their most thought-provoking yet.
