I have long been interested by the counterpoint of characters in the Bible. I have split the individuals who appear into “major” and “minor” characters, based upon the number of verses that are devoted to their activities. Applying such a quantitative criterion, Yaakov is the most discussed individual in Beraishit, appearing in chapters 25-49, or 24 chapters. Following relatively closely is Yaakov’s son Yosef who is mentioned in chapters 30-50, or 20 chapters. However, quality obviously also matters, and Avraham, the universally acknowledged founder of Judaism and the Jewish people, despite “only” playing a role in chapters 12-25, all told 13 chapters, has to be considered very significant, if not the most significant biblical figure of all in this book. In addition to Avraham’s considerable accomplishments described in Beraishit, when the Rabbis call upon us to emulate someone’s personal attributes, and consider him an important role model, they instruct us to be students of Avraham rather than any of the other Beraishit personalities, e.g., (Avot 5:19) “Whomever has these three qualities can be considered among the disciples of our Father Avraham…a generous eye, a lowly spirit and a modest soul…”
Taking the Measure of Avraham
03 Tuesday Nov 2015
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