Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Bereshit
Doublings and Contradictions
When learning Torah, the reader periodically encounters stories which appear to contain unnecessary doublings or even internal contradictions. Already in the opening chapters of Sefer Bereshit there is a case in point. The world's creation is described twice, in both Chapters 1 and 2, and the two accounts do not concur on many details.
- In general, how can repetitions or inconsistencies in the Biblical account be explained?
- Commentators on our specific case deal with the doubling in various ways. Some suggest that it is merely a literary device in which a general overview is followed by detailed elaboration. Others are more philosophical in their outlook, claiming that each account focuses on a different aspect of man and the world. A final approach suggests that the two chapters don't speak of the same event at all; one tells of the creation of the world and humanity at large, while the other speaks of the specific creation of the individual "Adam". Which of these do you find most compelling?
- For elaboration, see Two Accounts of Creation.
Rejection and Crime
In East of Eden, author J. Steinbeck speaks of the universal nature of the Kayin and Hevel story:
I think this is the best-known story in the world because it is everybody’s story. I think it is the symbol story of the human soul… The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell he fears. I think everyone in the world to a large or small extent has felt rejection. And with rejection comes anger, and with anger some kind of crime in revenge for the rejection, and with the crime guilt—and there is the story of mankind.
The theme of "chosenness and rejection" repeats throughout Sefer Bereshit. Do all of those who are rejected react in the way described by Steinbeck? Is it possible for rejection to be used as a catalyst for positive actions rather than negative?
In the story of Kayin and Hevel, does Hashem even reject Kayin, or just his offering? What about either Kayin or his gift was displeasing to Hashem? Finally, why does Kayin take out his anger on Hevel rather than on Hashem? See Kayin's Sacrifice Rejected and Kayin – Intentional or Unintentional Murderer.
Technology and Morality
The enigmatic tale of Lemekh and his wives touches on many issues including guilt and the power of repentance, the downsides to polygamy, and the dangers of technological advances.
- Which is the worse penalty – a guilty conscience or a physical punishment? See Sforno's take on this question in his analysis of Lemekh's Monologue.
- Is there any correlation between technological advances and the morality of a society? How often does scientific progress promote ethical behavior? How often does it lead to its deterioration? See how Ramban, HaKetav VeHakabbalah, and Cassuto address these questions in their reading of Lemekh's Monologue.
More...
For more, see: Parashat Bereshit Topics.