What can we learn from that first tragic murder in the human family? It seems implied from the narrative that Kayin was in no way provoked by his brother Hevel, since no mention is made regarding the rejection of his offering. The Torah mentions only that Hashem was pleased with Hevel’s offering as opposed to Kayin’s. It seems that Kayin’s act of violence was not induced by a momentary impulse of blind jealousy. For were this true, Kayin would have killed him on the spot. The Torah only relates that a conversation took place between the brothers, which was folllowed by Kayin murdering Hevel. No mention is made of this conversation. It may very well be said that it was not mere jealously which provoked this act of murder; it was “and Kayin spoke to Hevel his brother”, there was talk between them. There is no record of what was said. Who knows what took place between the first brothers, when they were alone in the field?
The finest institutions in the world have collapsed, not merely as a result of jealous strife, but rather because of empty talk between brothers – one saying something, no matter how foolish or inconsequential. Disruption of home life between husband and wife is occasionally caused by unfounded verbal accusations; strife among communal workers often results because of their idle conversation and gossip. How much more depressing is this vacuos conversation when “vsac o,uhvc” when there is a potential to develop a fruitful field which will be a benefit for all. People must work together, live together, and build together for the common good. Only by living harmoniously in accordance with the ideals of Torah life will we be able to set a living example that will result in glorifying Hashem’s Name.
