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92NY’s Goldman Center for Children and Family provides an exceptional array of programs designed to support children at every stage of their development.
at The 92nd Street Y, New York. Supported by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
Oct 10, 1985
On the surface, the problem of Hagar and Ishmael arises because Sarah, like other Biblical matriarchs, was barren. Sarah seems to deal with Hagar according to ancient near east law. But in the 92Y lectures, we read the Torah only according to our tradition, which comes from Sinai, and we thereby look into the text itself. Thus on a deeper level, the problem of Ishmael and Hagar actually occurs because of the lie told when Abraham and Sarah went down to Egypt. But this doesn’t explain everything. For even after Abraham banishes Ishmael, according to the Midrash, he continued to love him. Similarly, after Sarah’s passing, he marries Hagar (known as Ketura) and fathers other children. Further, at the time of Abraham’s passing and burial, Ishmael, who has repented, joins Isaac and the brothers are reconciled. Nevertheless, it’s our duty today to correct the mistakes of our forebears without diminishing our admiration for them.
Explore The Book of Genesis, 16-21 (Torah Portions Lech Lecha and Vayeira) on Sefaria, a living library of Torah.
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