We begin the Torah anew this week, with the story of Creation. Perhaps it seems appropriate, this week, to discuss the first recorded murder in the Bible -- that of Cain murdering Abel, his brother.
Why did Cain do it? It was clear to him that Abel's offering to God was accepted, and Cain's was not. Cain was told to try harder, and to do as Abel had done. Instead, he killed Abel, ending the "contest."
The parallels are striking: Jews and Palestinians were each given the right to create a state in 1948; Jews did it, and the Palestinian Arabs chose to attack the Jewish state instead. It's the same to this day.
God builds society from Cain, nonetheless (along with later children of Adam and Eve). The Bible tells us that he became a builder of cities. So -- perhaps he learned. Perhaps anyone can change.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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