Bereishis – Peninim on the Torah

And Kayin said to Hevel his brother. (4:6)

We have no record of that conversation. We have no idea what they spoke about and what catalyzed the first murder. Targum Yonasan records a lengthy theological debate between Kayin and Hevel. Kayin offered strong criticism of Hevel’s way of life and of his belief in the Almighty. It went so far that Kayin exclaimed, “Les din v’les Dayan,” “There is no law and there is no Judge.” He rejected the Ribbono Shel Olam! The question that begs elucidation is simple: Why was Kayin so jealous of Hevel’s communion with some non-existent Deity? If Kayin believed in nothing, then he…

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Moshe Marcovich In Bereishis, 5758

And Kayin brought an offering….to Hashem…and as for Hevel, he also brought (an offering). (4:3,4)

The average student of Chumash perceives the first two brothers as paradigms of good and evil. The Torah presents Kayin as a rasha, evil person, and Hevel as a tzaddik, righteous man. Is that really true? The Torah emphasizes that “Hevel also brought (a korban).” This implies that he was merely emulating his brother’s actions. Does that earn him a virtuous reputation? We may also question why Hashem caused Hevel to die childless. We have no remembrance of Hevel, just as nothing remains of Kayin, whose descendants all died in the Flood. The world was propagated from Sheis, their brother. …

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Moshe Marcovich In Bereishis, 5758

And Adam named his wife Chavah, because she was the mother of all living. (3:20)

Adam and Chavah, the first humans, serve as an example. From the perspective of marriage, as well as human relationship in general, they represent a living lesson in the manner in which one interrelates with others. Horav Zalman Sorotzkin, zl, infers a compelling lesson from Adam’s reaction to Chava’s sin. According to some commentaries, Adam gave Chavah her name, a name emphasizing her positive contribution to humanity and prime focus in life–“the mother of all living,” after she had catalyzed his sin. Chavah caused Hashem to decree death on the world. Yet, Adam did not turn his back on…

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Moshe Marcovich In Bereishis, 5758

And dust shall you eat all the days of your life. (3:14)

What to some individuals may be perceived as a curse could actually be a blessing in disguise — and vice versa. The serpent was cursed with having to eat tasteless dust his whole life. Imagine being relegated to a life in which one’s entire sustenance is without any taste. A life of no satisfaction, no pleasure, is truly a curse. But is it? While the serpent’s food is not appealing, it is always available. He never has to worry about the source of his next meal. We have only to ask someone who struggles to earn a livelihood how…

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Moshe Marcovich In Bereishis, 5758

And Hashem Elokim called to the man, and said unto him, ‘Where are you?’” (3:8)

It seems strange that Hashem, Who knows everything, asked Adam, “Where are you?” Obviously, Hashem knew where Adam was. The Midrash tells us that Hashem certainly knew where Adam was; He just wanted to talk to him, to engage him in conversation. Hashem wanted to interact with Adam, to get him to open up and talk about the act that he had committed. Horav Moshe Swift, zl, offers a thoughtful insight. Whenever one senses a rift in a relationship, he should maintain contact in order to sustain hope of reconciliation. The tragedy is when there is no contact. When a…

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Back to Home -> Bereishis -> 5758

And Kayin said to Hevel his brother. (4:6)

And Kayin brought an offering….to Hashem…and as for Hevel, he also brought (an offering). (4:3,4)

And Adam named his wife Chavah, because she was the mother of all living. (3:20)

And dust shall you eat all the days of your life. (3:14)

And Hashem Elokim called to the man, and said unto him, ‘Where are you?’” (3:8)

YEARS

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