Once upon a time there were 12 brothers. One of them thought he was better than the rest.
They got so angry at him they sold him into slavery. Eventually he became a powerful figure and saved his brothers from famine.
You know that story, don’t you? It’s Joseph and his brothers.
But that is only one of the several Biblical stories about siblings. We have Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau.
Why? Why so many stories about siblings?
Because peace in the world begins with peace at home. If we can’t get along with those closest to us, we will struggle to get along with those who are different.
It’s harder than it sounds. Recall that Cain kills Abel, Isaac does not meet Ishmael until their father dies, and of course Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.
But also recall how the Book of Genesis ends. Joseph and his brothers reconcile. He reminds them that God used them for a sacred purpose.
After so many generations of conflict, we witness brothers who get along. We see that peace in the world begins with peace at home.
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, and peace in the home is Shalom Bayit. It’s the subject of one of my devotional books, which is available now at a very low price on Amazon. Give it a look if you have a chance.
Wishing each of you a weekend of Shalom, Rabbi Evan
Rabbi Evan Moffic
Rabbi Evan Moffic
Congregation Solel1301 Clavey Road
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