The piece below is from 2008. I've written an expansion of it in this week's New York Jewish Week. - Abe
The Hidden Things are for God
i
God explains how the Children of Israel may bring sacrifices to Him in His dwelling-place. So He brings the Children of Israel in to His hidden realm.
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Soon God describes atonement-sacrifices for sins of unlawful hiding. Like the case of the man who keeps his neighbor's lost object, denying that he holds it. And like the case of the man who, hiding what he knows, does not stand witness in court.
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The hidden things are for God, a later verse says.
If we are to enter into God's house, into His realm, then we join Him in His burden over hidden things.
ii
Cain killed his brother, Abel, and hid him in the ground.
God asked Cain: Where is Abel, your brother? and Cain answered Him: Am I my brother's keeper?
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But now we share the hidden realm with God.
Cain's answer is not possible any more.
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Shabbat shalom,
Abe
www.TorahParsha.com