Playback speed
Humanity’s Challenges: Bereshit Until Today (part 5)
After God tells Kayin about his sin he says גדול עווני מנשוא. Was it said rhetorically? Ramban says Kayin told God - You created everything, can't you handle my sin? Is this comparable to Chana who said "Hashem you can do anything so please give me a child"?
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch says that Kayin realizes that he sinned to himself not to his brother. Thus, his Teshuva, the first one on Earth, is self-centered. Though it may sound negative, caring about oneself is a good starting point. This balance of caring for others and caring for oneself was Kayin's challenge and continues to be our challenge until today.
Delivered at the OU Israel Center, January 17th, 2019 (11 Shevat 5779)