What I learned from a Bee Gees Documentary

The Bee Gees documentary premiered on HBO this past week. While much of the story was as fluffy as Barry Gibbs’ hair, there were a few lessons for us. And of course, they reminded me of Torah.

Brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice founded the group that had dozens of hit songs. Some define the disco era. And perhaps Stayin’ Alive from the movie Saturday Night Fever has become the theme song of the pandemic.

The Bee Gees were gifted musicians and songwriters. Yet, the documentary reveals that brothers Barry and Robin were often at odds. Despite the conflict, the group excelled.

We have a Jewish tradition of brothers quarreling throughout Genesis.  Isaac was estranged from Ishmael. Jacob and Esau are enemies. Jacob’s twelve sons were also contentious and violent toward brother Joseph, selling him into slavery in Egypt.

Joseph endured years of enslavement and prison. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams he was appointed to government service. With a regional famine, Joseph’s family came to Egypt in search of food. Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers and sent them home to retrieve their father, Jacob. Joseph cautioned his brothers: “don’t be quarrelsome along the way!”  One might think that the brothers would behave well, after recognizing their good fortune to find a savior in Egypt. But good fortune does not guarantee good behavior.

Disagreement among families is the norm throughout Genesis, and perhaps throughout history. And not just families, but communities, and countries. Sometimes, our creative output is enhanced by interpersonal tensions. Sometimes, we succeed despite the disagreements.

Mere disagreement would be a gift in these times. Despite the economic challenges we face, this country is generally wealthy and strong. We have enough resources to feed and shelter every American, but we have not yet done so because of our quarreling.  Notwithstanding our good fortune as a nation, wealth disparities are a threat to our civil society. We have the capacity to create a free and fair society. Notwithstanding the strength of our republic, the partisanship of these times is tearing at the seams of our democracy.

As we approach a new secular year and a new administration, perhaps we will have leadership that recalls Joseph’s advice.  Don’t be quarrelsome along the way.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame