Bulletin October 13th

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Torah Portion Preview
For B’reishit
Shabbat beginning October 13 th , 2023
We know B’reishit Chapters 1-4: God creates in six days, rests on the seventh,
molds Eve from Adams rib, who succumbing to a serpent, eats from the tree of
knowledge. Then Cain the grower kills Abel the shepherd over jealousy that
God preferred animal sacrifice. The rest of B’reishit has less-known stories.
Five generations after Cain, Lamech fathers Jabel the tent dweller, Jubal the
lyre and flute player, and Tubal-Cain the smith. Next, generations live nearly a
millennium before God limits lifespans to 120. The portion ends with divine
giants mating with women to bear heroes, God regretting the creation of
humans, but Noah finding favor.
After telling (in The Torah: A Women’s Commentary) of three authors of
these stories, Tamara Eskenazi gives us a framework for their oft-retold ideas.
“A careful reading of Genesis offers insights into how ancient Israel
constructed its identity at different points in its history.” First, God created
men and women. Next, God made Eve from Adam’s rib and later punished
them for eating from the tree of knowledge. Finally, diverse ways of living
emerged but conflict between sinfulness and Godliness remained, showing
how getting from one to the next is an eternal challenge.
We invite all to come to synagogue in person or on Zoom on Friday night to
hear a more in-depth interpretation from Rabbi Meeka (or this Sabbath's lay
speaker). We also invite other views, interpretations, reflections, and even
poems on each Torah portion. If you have something to contribute, please
email it to RPC@templeadasshalom.org. This and prior previews can be found
at Dr. David Dirlam's website by clicking on Changing Wisdoms Projects.