" And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah." The Medrash in Bereishis Rabbah tells us a story related to this pasuk. As Rav Akiva was delivering his shiur, he noticed that his talmidim were falling asleep. In order to arouse his talmidim, Rav Akiva asked the following question: Why did Esther merit to reign over 127 countries? Rav Akiva answered that it was in the merit of her grandmother, Sarah, who lived for 127 years that Esther was privileged to reign over 127 countries. With this question and answer Rav Akiva successfully awoke his talmidim. This Medrash evokes several questions - 1. Sarah Imeinu led an important life with many great achievements. Her age doesn't seem to be anything remarkable. What's the inner connection between Sarah's age and Esther meriting to rule over 127 countries? 2. How could the talmidim of Rav Akiva have been falling asleep in shiur? Was Rav Akiva’s shiur boring, chas vishalom? And even if it was boring (it wasn't) why would an entire shiur be falling asleep? It is understandable if one or two talmidim didn't get enough sleep the night before and so they found themselves dozing off, but what could cause an entire shiur to fall asleep? Bear in mind that these talmidim were no ordinary students. To be called a talmid of Rav Akiva is a mark of distinction. 3. How does Rav Akivas question and answer successfully arouse his talmidim? While it's true that a good questio
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