Humanity’s Challenges: Bereshit Until Today (part 4)

ויאמר קין אל הבל אחיו ויהי בהיותם בשדה ויקם קין אל הבל אחיו ויהרגהו

In the previous scene Hashem told Kayin there was no reason to be upset, all he had to do was repent. Instead, Kayin killed Hevel. Why did he kill Hevel? Was it premeditated?

The Kli Yakar: Why was Kayin upset? Kayin reasoned that the only reason Hevel brought a korban was because Kayin did so first, if not for Kayin, Hevel never would have thought to bring a korban, yet his korban wasn't accepted!

The story of Kayin and Hevel as well as the story of Yosef and his brothers is a lesson in using your knowledge for the sake and benefit of humanity rather than to destroy people. Sometimes יוסיף דעת יוסיף מכאוב.

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Delivered at the OU Israel Center, January 10th, 2019 (4 Shevat 5779)