I’ve begun a series of discussions on most Wednesdays at 1:30 pm in the library at Temple Israel. They are called TILT, for Temple Israel Library Talks. Their main objectives are to have fun playing with stories, learn from each other, and spark conversation.
We usually look at several versions of folktales, both secular and Jewish, and see how they are different. Especially how the Jewish versions differ from the secular ones, because that tells us something about Judaism. I use picture books a lot because I like them. I enjoy the pictures, which can be beautiful, and the way in which the illustrations tell their own version of the story in the book. Since picture books are short, no preliminary reading is required. As one quickly discovers, many of these books have much more to say to adults than to children.
This week, I’m looking at Lilith and Eve. The Bible has two Creation stories. In the first, God creates man (ha-adam) as male and female. In the second, God creates man, (ha-adam), and then creates woman to complement him. Are these two different descriptions of the same story? Or was there a first woman, say Lilith, and a second woman, whom Adam named Eve? And if the latter, then what happened to Lilith?
Lilith and Eve are traditionally opposites. Lilith is a demonic destroyer of children and Eve a nurturing mother. Or Lilith is the outspoken equal of Adam and Eve is meekly subservient. There are many kinds of opposites.
After a brief explanation of the sources in which Lilith is mentioned, I want to explore stories in which opposites are featured, particularly those in which an Adam chooses (between) a Lilith and an Eve. Jane Eyre comes quickly to mind. A more complex set of relationships occurs with Jacob and Esau and their parents. There’s Vashti and Esther. Cain and Abel. Odile and Odette. Like Ko-Ko in The Mikado, I have a little list, but the task of filling up the blanks I’d rather leave to you. Please join the conversation, either virtually here or really in person.
Book Talk 