Today, let’s delve into a fascinating passage from Bereshit Rabbah, a classical rabbinic commentary on the Book of Genesis, that explores just that.

The passage opens with a quote from Job (19:26): "After my skin, this was struck [nikfu], and from my flesh I will view God." Now, Abraham takes center stage. He interprets this verse in light of his own life, specifically his circumcision. He says that after he circumcised himself, many proselytes—converts to Judaism—came to attach themselves to the covenant. Nikfu, the Hebrew word for "struck," is cleverly related to mukaf, meaning “attached.” It’s a beautiful play on words! And then comes the powerful question: “And from my flesh I will view God – had I not done this, on what basis would the Holy One blessed be He have appeared to me?” In other words, Abraham believed that his act of circumcision paved the way for divine revelation, for God appearing to him. “The Lord appeared to him.”

But the rabbis don’t stop there. They continue exploring the theme of justice and how we treat others, especially those who are in a subordinate position to us.

Rabbi Isi begins by quoting Job again (31:13–14): “If I reject justice for my servant and my maidservant when they quarrel with me, what would I do when God arises, and when He makes His reckoning; what would I answer Him?” This is powerful stuff. It suggests that how we treat those under our care directly impacts our relationship with God.

There's even a story illustrating this point. Rabbi Yosei's wife was quarreling with her maidservant, and Rabbi Yosei sided with the maidservant. His wife was upset, asking why he would contradict her in front of the maid. Rabbi Yosei responded by quoting Job, emphasizing the importance of extending justice to all, regardless of their social standing.

The passage then offers another interpretation, linking the concept of mishpat (justice or law) to Abraham once again. “If I reject justice [mishpat]…” the text says, “this refers to Abraham.” Think about it: Abraham circumcised Ishmael, his son, and all those born in his house, as we read in Genesis 17:23. Abraham didn’t withhold the mitzvah (commandment) of circumcision from Ishmael, who was considered Abraham's servant. It highlights the idea that Abraham applied the law equally to all, even those under his authority. And he asks, echoing his earlier sentiment, “Had I not done so, on what basis would the Holy One blessed be He have appeared to me?” The passage concludes with "The Lord appeared to him in the plains of Mamre, and he was sitting."

So, what can we take away from all of this? It seems that encountering the Divine isn't just about grand gestures or mystical experiences. It's also about the seemingly small acts of justice, kindness, and commitment to living ethically. It's about treating everyone with dignity and respect, recognizing that every human being is created b'tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. Abraham's example reminds us that our actions, our choices, can either open us up to God's presence or close us off. Are we creating space for the Divine in our lives through our actions? It's a question worth pondering.