Genesis 21: Celebrating Diversity Despite Difference
What Abraham might have said to family and friends from near and far
Thank you so much for coming from far and near to help us celebrate Isaac’s birth.
It’s been more than a quarter century since I last saw some of you, when I left home, following the call I heard to go for myself. I know what people thought of me when I left. I have thought long and hard about the animus I had left in my wake. I needed the distance and the time. I ran away to redefine and find myself, and together with Sarah, I am proud to announce I have.
25 years is a long time, even for an old man like myself. I don’t know if it’s my age, or the fact that we are here celebrating the birth of my son, but I have some thoughts that I wanted to share. I really don’t agree with any of you, your arcane beliefs or your aberrant lifestyles.
Raqim, I think that your obsession with Ba’al is insane… but I love the beautiful poetry you write to celebrate him. Abdel, you all know that I detest what your statues stand for, but I think you are a true artist. And now that I have two sons, Iram, I cannot fathom killing one of them for God. But that doesn’t mean that I must cut you out of my life because of your ritual filicide. It must have been one of the most difficult decisions of your life, and I made it harder by not being there for you.
While I may disagree with your beliefs, myths and actions, I believe we can all sit together at the same table to celebrate. I’ve learned to try to find righteousness in people I once considered “sinners”. When I left home, I would have never imagined arguing with God to save some Sodomites. I was too much of a zealot. But I see them as people now, and I feel like their death is my failure.
Friendship and family should not based upon mutual agreement of the state of cosmic affairs. It’s about the ability to sit together and laugh and cry. In my home, everyone is welcome.
In this spirit, Sarah and I have made the decision, albeit prematurely, that our son Isaac will marry someone from back home, from Ur of the Chaldees. Let’s bridge this long-standing rift, and remember that we are friends and family, no matter what we believe.
May Isaac bring laughter and friendship to everyone he meets.