Commentary on Parashat Bereshit, Genesis 1:1-6:8
Family tensions are easily created between siblings. Feeling overshadowed because of the accomplishments of our brother or sister, or feeling overlooked by parents, are frequent causes. How can we avoid these common family dilemmas?
This week’s Torah portion, Bereshit, includes the story of Cain and Abel and man’s first violent act: a lashing out of brother against brother based on family tension, jealousy and perceived favoritism. When Cain is asked, after he killed Abel, where his brother is, he answers, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Torah is clearly teaching that the answer is definitely YES to Cain’s question.
What can we do in our families to reduce tensions, manage jealousies, and create positive family dynamics? Recognize the special qualities of each child. Let children know how much each is appreciated by the whole family for his or her uniqueness. Parents need to be careful about expressing favoritism by balancing praise with sensitivity to the feelings of their other children. When kids know that their parents appreciate and love them for who they are, they have a better chance of dealing with the inequities they will face in the outside world without directing anger at their siblings. Children should be taught by parents to value their brothers and sisters as family forever and life-long friends.;
TALK TO YOUR KIDS about ways to create healthy family dynamics.
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CONNECT TO THEIR LIVES:
· What are some of the things you like about the way your family functions?
· What are some things that you would like to change?
· How do you discuss things when there are problems?
· Do you feel heard and appreciated in your family?
· How can you and your family all work together to respect each other?
From “Values and Ethics: Torah Topics for Today,” available from Behrman House Publishers
Torah
Pronunced: TORE-uh, Origin: Hebrew, the Five Books of Moses.
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