Written by special guest commentator, Temple member Gitai Ben-Ammi
The Torah seems contradictory in so many ways, but there is one way in particular I wish to think about: the relationship between status and power. The Torah is quite explicit in assigning power and creating hierarchy. God rules over Israel. Prophets and Judges are in charge on God’s behalf. Fathers are in charge of families. The eldest son receives a double portion of his father’s inheritance. In looking at the mitzvot, a reader could get a sense that one’s place in life has been firmly established by God and is set for life. Even kings are appointed by prophets at God’s command.
And yet, the Torah does everything possible to countermand all of these hierarchies through its narrative. When Israel clamors for a king, Samuel warns them of all the suffering a king will inflict and I and II Kings then go on to prove him right, particularly in the conflict between Elijah and Ahab. Rebecca undermines Isaac’s will to favor Jacob. And of course, the firstborn son never prospers. Why? Why does Reuben not receive his double portion? Jacob tells him that he is “unstable as water.” Perhaps the Torah wishes to remind us that hierarchies, even when they seem ordained by God, are never absolute. We are able to challenge them based on our talents or our values. Because Reuben was unworthy and Joseph and his sons were worthy, the hierarchy is upended. As we live our lives, let us remember this and never be cowed by rank or status in our pursuit of justice.