Genesis of Absurd

Our world feels chaotic, marred by evil, and filled with absurdity. In my quest for some wisdom to ground me, I turned to the first chapters of the Torah. The text records the genesis of chaos, evil, and absurdity! And while chaos can be managed and evil can face consequences, absurdity? Well, it’s the bad news that will refuse to leave!

The Torah kicks off with chaos. Everything started with a big mess—what the Hebrew text calls “tohu v’vohu.” But then God stepped in and turned that chaos into a universe. My takeaway is optimism! God tidied up disarray and disorder. From God’s example, inspiration comes to tackle our daily disasters. With civility and justice, perhaps we can even tame the world.

Then the text introduces us to our first couple, Adam and Eve. They disobeyed a clear rule about the Tree of Knowledge. There’s a giant neon sign saying, “Do Not Eat!” and they munched away. While they were banished from paradise, the knowledge they acquired allowed them to have children. We would not exist but for them eating the apple. Without their mistake, none of us would be here today.

Next up: the saga of their sons, Cain and Abel. Abel was tending sheep, and Cain was growing crops. Abel brought the best of his flock as an offering to God, while Cain offered some fruits and vegetables. God preferred Abel’s sacrifice to Cain’s and played favorites as to their choice of protein!

In today’s world, Cain would win the “Health and Sustainability Award” for his plant-based offering. But back then a dejected Cain reacted by killing Abel. If only Cain had had a therapist to talk through his feelings to avert his outrage.

Or perhaps, Cain just needed a good lawyer. Your honor, Cain did not have sufficient intent to be convicted of a crime. After all, how would he know the consequence of hitting his brother? No person had ever died before.

Here’s the twist: All of us are descendants of Cain! So the next time you feel frustrated or angry at the absurdity in this world, remember: you might be channeling your inner Cain!

The Torah suggests that while God can calm chaos and deal with evil, absurdity is here to stay. But here’s the good news: when we face the chaos and evil in our lives, we can transform those challenges into blessings. Maybe one day we’ll figure out how to laugh at the absurdity surrounding us rather than lashing out.

So, let’s hold on to hope, lean into our shared genetic heritage, and embrace the beautifully chaotic journey we’re all on together. And then we’ll tackle the absurdity that crouches at the door.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame