LILITH - LIVING IN THE CORNERS

This week’s Torah reading begins the story all over again, with the for parsha or portion of Genesis.  The weekly portion inspired one of my favorite characters in Jewish tradition - Lilith. But she’s not actually named in the portion. Instead, her very existence is only hinted at.    

In Genesis 1, women and men are created together.  Then, in Genesis 2, a second legend is presented – Adam is created and, then, Eve is created from one of his ribs to be his helpmate.  Most likely, there were two creation legends circulating in the ancient Near East and both were included, so not to edit out either. But, the first rabbis read the text as a cohesive whole, not as a compilation of different legends.  These rabbis asked: What happened to the first woman?

The rabbis named her Lilith, from the root Lilah or night.  Lilith, according to the legend, wanted to be Adam’s equal.  When Adam insisted Lilith be subservient, she left and became a night demon. In Jewish folklore, Lilith does all sorts of terrible things. But in the last 40 years or so, Lilith has been reclaimed by Jewish feminists who think she is a pretty good role model.  Today, the leading Jewish feminist magazine is titled Lilith.  She has become a part of popular culture as a symbol for strong, rebellious women. Lilith Fair was one of the premiere all-female musical festivals. Lilith is a character name both in Marvel and DC comics. Try googling Lilith.  You will get 57 million hits.  Suffice it to say, Lilith has captured many people’s imaginations.

To me, Lilith is a reminder of the people in the corners of our tradition - the ones that are overlooked or misunderstood.  And a reminder of the importance of telling your story.  If you don’t, somebody else will. 

Rabbi Debbie