Genesis

בייה

We live in uncertain times, yet hope is not extinguished. Even though the potential for World War III may be close and the annihilation of our world may be seconds away, those who trust in Ha Torah’s Teaching have nothing to fear. We can be safe and secure. (Psalms 45) Says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…Be still, and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.’

As we begin our discussion, I must be clear about our farmers. I thank HaShem for our farmers. They work long and hard to provide products for us to enjoy. Farmers depend on HaShem to provide sun, rain, wind, warmth, and shade to lovingly care for their produce in the field. The curse of the ground ended in 933 From Creation. (Genesis 5.5)

(Genesis 4.3) Says, ‘And it happened many days from the end [of creation,] then, Kayin / Cain brought a Mincha fruit from the ground unto Lord.’ Kayin’s Tribute was grown directly from the ground. We know this because the Words מִפְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה Mee Pih Ree – Haw Ah Daw Mawh – In addition Ha Torah Says, וַיָּבֵא Vah Yaw Bay – ‘And he brought.’וַיָּבֵא Vah Yaw Bay also implies that there was a location where Kayin brought his Tribute.

(Genesis 4.4) Says, ‘And Hevel / Abel also brought מִבְּכֹרוֹת Mee Bih Choh Roht from the firstborn of his צֹאנוֹ Tz Ooh Noht – sheep וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן Voo May Cheh Lih Vay Hehn and from the dairy fat, i.e., Cream / Butter. And Lord had regard to Hevel and his Mincha Tribute.’ Dear Ones, There are several distinct differences between Kayin and Hevel’s Tributes that are IMPORTANT!! Hevel intended to love, to serve, and to honor Lord. Hevel offered the King of the universe, Lord, our Creator, premium cream and butter. It was the best of his produce. He brought an esteemed Tribute. That is the intent of the Word וַיִּשַׁע Vah Yee Shah. The Creator of the universe notices EVERYTHING!! (Genesis 4.2) makes a Unique distinction between the brothers. ‘Ha Torah Says, ‘and Hevel became entirely / completely רֹעֵה צֹאן Roh Ay – Tz ohn ‘a keeper of sheep.‘ A shepherd depends on God to provide sun, rain, warmth, and shade/clouds to lovingly care for his sheep. He learned to be appreciative of God as the provider. Whereas Kayin became עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה Ooh Vayd – Ah Daw Mawh – a servant/slave to the CURSED GROUND. Kayin had a choice. Ha Torah does not say Kayin was forced to toil over the cursed ground? Kayin chose to serve the cursed ground. So when the Holy Scripture Says in (Genesis 4.2), ‘And Hevel was a keeper of sheep, BUT Kayin was a tiller of the ground,’ the implication may be, Why would you choose to be a slave to the cursed ground? Kayin was bitter, resentful, and angry with the Judge of all the universe. It appears like Kayin did not love his Creator. Midrash Tanchumah states Kayin’s Tribute to Lord [was Repugnant]. It consisted of poor-quality flax seed. [Kayin gave] inferior produce as a [Tribute], taking the best for himself. (Eitz Yosef} Avrohom Davis, Metsudah Midrash Tanchuma Bereishis 1 (Monsey, NY Eastern Book Press Inc. 2005) p50 (Genesis 4.2) ends with the Word אֲדָמָה Ah Daw Mawh – ‘Ground.’ The two center Letters are דָם ‘Blood.’ The last two Letters of Adam’s name is spelled אָדָם. What’s the point?

Now, I need to circle back to make another Clarification. Midrash Tanchuma says that Hevel’s offered the finest wool and cream from the best of the firstborn of his flocks. Metsudah Midrash Avrohom Davis, Metsudah Midrash Tanchuma Bereishis 1 (Monsey, NY Eastern Book Press Inc. 2005) p50 The first sacrifice of animals or birds did not occur until 1657 From Creation in Genesis 8.20. It was at this time that our Creator began allowing humankind to eat meat. Before 1657, From Creation, every being was vegetarian. R’ Yosef Kimchi; Tur said that they did not build an altar because they were prohibited from slaughtering animals. Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series – Bereishis Vol. I (b) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 145. The name for a meat offering is Oh Lam. The Words used regarding Kayin and Hevel were NOT Oh Lam, as noted above.

(Genesis 4.5) Says, ‘But for Kayin and his Tribute He did not have respect. And Kayin was very angry, and his countenance fell. And Lord said to Kayin, ‘Why are you furious? And why is your face fallen? [You know that] when you do good / make a thing right / IMPROVE [you are] lifted and when you do not make a thing right / IMPROVE [you are] opening the doorway of sinful punishment [you are] laying down your strength to cravings [yet if you STOP] you have dominion rejoice/change.’ At this point in Kayin’s life, he was on the edge of entering the abyss. Even though Kayin’s name was written in the Book of Eternal Living, he was about to be blotted out for the barbaric, brutal, vicious murder of Hevel.

From Creation until now, our Biblical Obligation has been and will continue to be to fear Lord our God, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all our heart, and follow His Instructions. The Holy Scriptures teach GENUINE Love of God. Our love is expressed through our dedication to observing the Commands in The Torah. If a child says Mother / Father, I love you those are only false words unless they are firmly supported daily by the child’s actions/deeds. Our actions, i.e., our careful observance of the Mitzvot of Ha Torah, establish our love of God. Those who Love God have nothing to fear. Take comfort in knowing your name is written in the Book of Eternal Living and will not be blotted out!!

The key here is to stay on The Path of Observing the Mitzvot written in Ha Torah. It is incredibly wonderful to know our souls will join other obedient souls in Gan Eden / Heaven / the world to come. Heaven is a perfect place.

Let’s focus on how we love God, others, and ourselves. Each of us has, at one time or another, experienced the warmth of a kind act. We know how good lovingkindness feels. Pleasant words give life and health to each of us. The point of our discussion is to improve by observing The Torah, feel secure regardless of the turmoil in our world, and be confident in our life in the world to come.

Blessings, Love, Peace, and a Good Sabbath.

Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

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