Our Ancestral Drama: Comedy or Tragedy?

The laughing started last week, but argument, sin, confusion, and oppression are quick on the heels of such mirth. In a parsha that begins with guests, hospitality, and a theophany, the human condition becomes fodder for a series of event that still throw readers and scholars into confusion.

First, G!d announces that destruction will come to Sodom and Gomorrah, where Abraham’s nephew Lot’s family settled previously. While arguing and pleading for G!d not to punish these cities, Abraham asks a timeless question: Why should death and destruction ruin a second chance? Here, like in Parashat Noach, G!d’s decision remains toward a destructive end. While centuries of interpretation has allowed for destructive theories about the reason for this loss, G!d cites the evil of the area on a large scale rather than a specific sin.

Next, the famous tale of Abraham claiming Sarah as his sister, this time in the presence of Abimelech, creates a question – was Abraham’s lie wrong? Why did he feel the need to not identify Sarah in the presence of the king?

In between a series of events already crazy and surprising enough, Sarah decides that Hagar, the Egyptian handmaiden (see Philo’s Hellenistic midrash about these characters in the Life of Moses), has to go – along with her son, Ishmael (Isaac’s half-brother). Although they suffered, G!d also promises Hagar that she and Ishmael will be provided for, and that a nation will come from that line.

Finally, the Akedah – the testing of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah – wraps up a tense parsha. Midrashists filled out this story in wonderful and wacky ways, filling in Sarah’s fear and confusion, providing reasons that G!d tested the family, exposing guesses at family conflict, and even debating Isaac’s status of life versus death. Of course, this story also provides a messianic prototype and trope, particularly for Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is a very early point supporting a less kingly, less warrior-esque messianic figure, one whose suffering and sacrifice might be the mark of their special status.

One little parsha, so many questions, with twists and turns to rival the greatest fairy tales – and we’re just getting started in the Torah!

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My Dissertation Diary this week is a bit less full – I had some fruitful conversations with friends but haven’t done as much work myself on the topic. This week and over the Thanksgiving break, I hope to take time with my resources and make more headway.