Lilith: Evil Demon or Feminist Role Model?

Today, we celebrate Simchat Torah (the Joy of the Torah) which marks the end of a cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new one.  Therefore, the Torah portion for October 14, 2023 is Bereshit (Genesis 1:1-6:8), the first parshah of the Torah.  This parshah is most known for its myths surrounding the beginning of the world, including, within it, two creation stories, the first one running from 1:1 to 2:3 and the second from 2:4 to 2:25.  These accounts of creation are followed by a story about Adam, Eve, a snake, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  The parshah concludes with the happenings of Cain and Abel, the descendants of Adam and Eve, and Noah, a man who found divine favor.

I wrote briefly about this parshah in the midst of the pandemic.  The writing there mirrors the chaotic and often difficult nature of that time.  Thus, I want to revisit the parshah now.  Interestly, I am drawn to comment on the same topic: Lilith. 

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