Spirituality Informed

“How will I know?” (2025, Nov 2; 18” x 24”, acrylic)

Each time I re-encounter the story of the Brit Bein HaBetarim (“Covenant of the Pieces” [B’resheet 15.8-11]), I am surprised. The bisecting of animals followed by a lapid esh (flaming torch [15.17]) passing through the parts signifies God’s commitment to fulfill the promise to Avraham. The scene is brutal and awesome all at once - and in response to Avraham’s request for proof, “b’mah eidah?” - “How will I know?” (15.8).

Because I periodically forget about this story, I painted it - the plea embedded in flames. The specific animals foretell the Temple sacrifice but as I rendered them, I was struck by additional possible meanings. The heifer, specifically the red heifer, is needed for a ritual that renders the impure pure but renders the pure impure (Bamidbar 19.2-6). The goat, that is the scapegoat, for the ancient Yom Kippur ritual of atonement (Va’yikrah 16.21-22). The ram is the replacement that appears just in time for the akedah (binding of Isaac [B’resheet 22]). The birds are reminiscent of the raven and dove released by Noah searching for dry land after the Flood (B’resheet 8.6-12). As I painted, I wondered about how these symbols offer antidotes for doubt, remedies for uncertainty.

For doubt to transform into curiosity rather than shrink into fear, this story suggests a combination of actions and affirmations - embracing paradox (“I know I may never fully know”), extending forgiveness (“Uncertainty is part of being human”), fortifying faith (“I can take steps not knowing where the path leads”), and seeking assurance (“I can check that the path is solid”). No single cure-all but a titrated compound of ingredients to meet current needs.