An artifact of modern culture is the word “frenemy,” which refers to a person who pretends to be
your friend but is in fact your enemy. Our Talmud seems to focus on the converse; treating a
friend as though they were an enemy. The Talmud notes the Hebrew word for “enemy,” shares
most of its letters with the Hebrew word for “friend.” This prompts the admonition that when we
debate ideas, we become bitter enemies, but we must never terminate the argument until we’ve
reconciled once again as friends.
Our Kiddush for Breakfast program this Shabbat promises an opportunity for true friends to
debate an essential question about Jewish identity and Zionism in the wake of Oct. 7th. Even
though honest disagreement may involve challenging conversation, we are committed to ending
with everyone warmly accepted as always. Please plan to arrive a little early so that we may
begin promptly at 9:30am.
The Torah reading this week describes Abraham’s curious and elaborate negotiations with
Ephron the Hittite over the purchase of a burial plot from the latter. In light of ancient near
eastern texts recovered by archaeology, it seems that what is really going on is that Avraham
isn’t allowed to purchase land because he’s regarded as an outsider to the settled community.
The purchase would enable him to become accepted as a member of the community.
It’s not so different today. Negotiating sensitive situations with strangers is likely to demand a
different approach than settling differences among friends. This is one of our community’s super
powers. We are able to disagree openly, but our underlying bonds allow us to remain steadfast
in our friendship and regard for one another nonetheless.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Levine