Don’t Look Away From Me

Bereishit 5779 Sermon. Rabbi Sharon Brous

After a wrenching week, we look at two creation narratives in the first two chapters of Genesis, which paint two different world views: one in which man and woman are created together, as equals, and one in which woman is created to serve and give pleasure to a powerful, controlling man. Both visions are possible in God’s creation, and we’re asked to choose: true, radical equality, or raw, naked patriarchy. Sadly, our human community continues to build systems and structures that perpetuate the latter. But when we look at each other, when we refuse to look away, we can shift the paradigm and grow toward true partnership and equality in the eyes of God and one other.