BEREISHITH 1980

In this first Torah portion we deal with very important philosophical issues.

We learn about the origin of evil.  There are two types of evil in the world. There is physical evil and there is moral evil.  Physical evil is outside a man, storms and violence of nature, pain, etc.  Our expulsion from the Garden of Eden explains physical evil.  The story of Cain and Abel teaches us about moral evil.  

At first glance it looks as if G-d is the culprit not Cain. Because G-d did not turn to Cain's sacrifice.  That's why he became jealous of his brother, Abel.  If we look carefully at the text, though, we will see that there was a difference between the two sacrifices.  It says about Abel that he brought Gam Hu.  Not only did he bring a sacrifice but he also brought himself.  Also the word that signifies turning to a sacrifice is very unusual here.  Va Yisha is the same word as time.  Cain did not have time for anything or anyone.  The word Cain in Hebrew means to acquire.  He was out to acquire everything, to put a stamp on everything.  He did not have time for others.  

Abel, on the other hand, also brought himself.  He gave of not only his goods but of his time and energy.  Many people in the Synagogue have told me they will only remain members in the Synagogue if we do not bother them.  All they want to do is send in their check and be left alone. These people are not bringing themselves.  In the Haphtorah, too, we learn about the servants of G-d.  In the first lines is says that G-d's servants' eyes should be open and in the middle it said that G-d's servants are blind. How can this be so?  

The answer is that G-d's servants' eyes should be open to see what needs to be done.  They should be willing to give of their time and energy and resources to correct the problems but their eyes should be blind to considerations of honor or respect or even approval.  They are certainly going to be disappointed.  They should do what they do because it is the right thing to do.  We need to bring also ourselves and to help no matter whether or not we get honor.  Such people were Abe and Eva Silverman.

Story: "When was Adam created?" a schoolboy asked me.  "What time of day was he created"?  "I'm not sure" I said.  "It's easy.  A little before eve".