Am I my brother’s keeper? And was he mine?
Hashem said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Breishit 4:9)
How could Cain ever think of lying to Hashem? What could he mean, “I didn’t know”? He knew what happened to Hevel! What was he trying to say? Was it just chutzpah or something more nuanced? Hashem asks Adam questions and even as he is embarrassed by his actions, he still answers the questions.
The Maharsha asks a classic question: For what reason was Hevel chayav mitah (why was he obligated to die)? What did he do wrong to warrant being killed? An insightful approach is found in Netziv’s commentary, Haamek Davar.
The Netziv reads the verse without a comma. “I didn’t know that I was to look out for Hevel like a brother.” “As the first born and leader, I thought I could treat him as a master treats a servant or slave.” In that relationship, violence and punishment are known to occur. The Netziv’s reading shows that Cain was speaking truthfully and not lying, at least within his world view.
Rav SR Hirsch writes:
The whole depth of the criminal depravity and the most definite warning against family discord is expressed in G-d’s question and Cain’s answer. It is everybody’s duty to know where the other is! Cain’s answer showing the most cold-blooded egoism contains the most serious warning that the loveless principle, “Every man for himself” is not far away from the malevolent hatred which is ready to do away with his neighbor if the latter stands in the way of his own progress.
How far things go awry when you only look out for yourself.
What did Hevel do wrong?
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Rav Yosef Sorotzkin quotes his father’s sage explanation. After Hakadosh Baruch Hu refused to accept Cain’s offering, Cain was despondent and depressed, broken and in pain. The Torah even testifies that Cain was forlorn.
Where was Hevel through all this? Hevel either missed the signs or ignored them altogether. Here we have Hevel’s only brother in crisis and Hevel was either cold to him or aloof.
Couldn’t the same question be asked of Hevel? “Where is your brother?” “Why aren’t you your brother’s keeper, helping to rejuvenate him and bring him back from this depression?”
Hevel failed to be a supportive brother when Cain emotionally needed him: “Hevel (Abel) remained indifferent to his brother’s downfall and the heartbreak caused by it.” (Meged Yosef p26)
Thus taking into account both the words of the Netziv and Rav Hirsch, couldn’t we say that Cain was responding to G-d with his (possibly) justified grievances about Hevel? “I should be my brother’s keeper after he failed to be mine?! I didn’t know better. When I was suffering and felt like dying, Hevel was not there to pick me up and dust me off.”
Only Hashem came to offer comfort and recognize my state of mind. “Measure for measure, I didn’t treat him as a brother because he didn’t treat me like one either.”
Hevel’s indifference or apathy could have played a major role in the events that unfolded and Cain’s surprisingly violent response.
And yet, two wrongs never made a right and the physical torture and homicide Cain committed could not be condoned and Cain would be held accountable for his actions as we all ultimately are.
Rav Yosef Sorotzkin offers a vivid line for how Cain felt aggrieved by his brother: “He danced on the pieces of his heart without them stabbing the bottom of his feet!” (Meged Yosef p26)
Cain killed Hevel in one violent action, but Hevel caused Cain to feel the pain of a thousand deaths through his complete lack of sensitivity. A potent reminder of psychological trauma and its devastating effects. It is equally important to realize how a properly timed phrase or words of encouragement can do more good than you will ever know.
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As the third anniversary of Oct. 7 was this week, I share the thoughts I wrote back then when the feelings were raw and we were in shock and numb to what had just occurred:
This past week we have all had front-row seats to the worst of humanity and the best of humanity. We were shocked by the horrific violence and the words “never again” came flooding back into our hearts and our souls in the tears of sorrow and mourning. But we were also reminded that indeed, we are our brother’s keeper.
After a summer of division we were once again reminded that we truly are brothers and sisters. Am Yisrael stands for picking each other up and comforting one another. …
As we study the violence of Cain and the tremendous loss he inflicted on this world, I pray that Hashem finds a way to avenge the loss that was inflicted once again to our world. May their families find a way to rebuild. May the One who comforts the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem comfort them. It is Zion shedding tears this week, even she needs to be comforted.
Rabbi Dr. David Wiseman, who practices dentistry in Cedarhurst and Queens, has been leading a weekly Torah class at the Young Israel of Hewlett for over 20 years.
