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Abel was second son of Adam and Eve and the first shepherd. After God accepted his offerings of choice animals but rejected his brother Cain's offerings of fruits and vegetables, he was killed by his jealous brother.
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The First Murder
TANAKH
Cain's deceit and pretense of brotherhood towards Abel before killing him reveal the depths of human jealousy and betrayal. The book of Genesis recounts the first murder, where Cain, out of jealousy and anger, kills his brother Abel and then denies responsibility with the famous question, 'Am I my brother's keeper?'
The Sanctity of Abel's Soul
MUSAR
Cain's act of killing Abel was an attempt to destroy a soul of immense sanctity, which would later be reincarnated in Moses. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, offers a mystical account of Abel's murder.
The Bloods Cry Out
COMMENTARY
The plural form 'bloods' in Genesis 4:10 teaches that the murder of Abel was not just the loss of one life but the destruction of all his potential descendants. Mishnah Sanhedrin emphasizes the gravity of taking a life by illustrating that killing one person is akin to destroying an entire world of potential descendants.
The Bloods of Abel
COMMENTARY
The plural form of 'blood' in the story of Abel's murder alludes to both his unborn descendants and the concept of reincarnation. Rabbeinu Bahya, a medieval Jewish commentator, offers an interpretation of Genesis 4:10, blending Talmudic and kabbalistic insights.
The Earth's Reluctance
COMMENTARY
The earth initially refused to accept the dead due to the curse it received after accepting Abel's blood. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a 16th-century Yiddish commentary, recounts how God intervened to ensure the earth would accept the dead.
The Brief Life of Abel
MIDRASH
Abel's life, according to rabbinic opinions, spanned no more than fifty days, linking his existence to the creation of the world and Jewish festivals. The midrashic text Bereshit Rabbah offers a detailed exploration of the timing of the world's creation and the lifespan of Abel, reflecting rabbinic debates and the significance of Jewish months and festivals.
The Moral Reasoning Behind Abel's Sacrifice
COMMENTARY
Abel's choice of an animal sacrifice reflected his moral and philosophical reasoning about the relationship between humans and animals. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his commentary on the Torah portion Tzav, explores the ethical and spiritual dimensions of sacrifices, referencing medieval Jewish philosopher Joseph Albo.
The Legacy of Abel
COMMENTARY
Despite Abel's tragic death and lack of descendants, his legacy of shepherding continued through Yaval. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's commentary on the book of Genesis offers insights into the development of shepherding in biblical times.
Cain's Fatal Mistake
JEWISH THOUGHT
The story of Cain and Abel teaches us about the dire consequences of failing to cooperate and share the world. In his 15th-century work, Akeidat Yitzchak, Rabbi Isaac Arama delves into the deeper philosophical and ethical lessons of the biblical narrative.
The Firstlings of the Flock
TARGUM
Abel's offering of the firstlings of his flock and their fat was pleasing to the Lord and received His favor. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, provides additional context and elaboration on Abel's offering, reflecting Jewish exegesis and tradition.
The Weight of Cain's Punishment
COMMENTARY
Cain's punishment was more severe than the earth's, raising profound theological questions about justice and responsibility. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s 18th-century commentary, Or HaChaim, explores the moral and mystical dimensions of the story of Cain and Abel.
The Dual Nature of Abel's Offering
KABBALAH
Abel's offering was unique in that it was primarily dedicated to God but also included a portion for the Other Side, unlike Cain's offering. The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, explores the deeper, esoteric meanings behind the biblical story of Cain and Abel.
 Cain Leadeth Abel to Death, James Tissot, 1896-1902
Cain Leadeth Abel to Death, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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