Comparing Lilith And The Midrash Of Ben Sira

My Reaction:

I found myself excited to read and engulfed in both tellings of Lilith. I had never heard them or considered the ideas that are held within them before. I enjoyed them and wished I could know more.

My Analysis:

There are many differences between the 6th century midrash of Ben Sira and the midrash by Judith Plaskow that I discovered while analyzing them. The first difference I noticed is the way that Lilith is portrayed. In the midrash of Ben Sira, Lilith is portrayed negatively. She is seen as argumentative, stubborn, and almost evil for leaving. It is seen in God’s reaction that Lilith is seen at fault. “God said, If she wants to return, well and good. And if not, she must accept that a hundred of her children will die every day” (1). God was willing to threaten her and make her suffer for leaving. In the midrash by Judith Plaskow, Lilith is portrayed as strong, brave and friendly. This is shown in the quote, “At first sight of her, Eve remembered the tales of Adam and was frightened, but Lilith understood and greeted her kindly. “Who are you?” they asked each other, “What is your story?” And they sat and spoke together of the past and then of the future. They talked for many hours, not once, but many

Lilith is seen as a strong woman, who is willing to do what is best for her. Earlier, I mentioned how God reacted to Lilith in the midrash of Ben Sira, which is another difference between the two. In the midrash by Judith Plaskow, God seems more caring and understanding to Lilith. “The Lord, inclined to be sympathetic, sent his messengers after Lilith, telling her to shape up and return to Adam or face dire punishment” (2). It is almost like God understood why she was leaving and let her go. Finally, the last major difference I noticed is that Eve is mentioned in the later story but not the first. I am curious as to why because it changes the way I see Adam and Eve in the creation