Hagar and Ishmael - what happens

Torah study 5-28
Genesis 21:15-21. End of the episode.

Hagar left Ishmael to die. Angel speaks to her.
Will make great nation of him.
Find a well.

Poem: The Opinion of Hagar / Alicia Suskin Ostriker.
Inspired by Poem about William Yeats –
Sensed that war was about to happen:
“And the living nation awaits. .each sequestered in his hate” . 1939

Ishmael is strong.

Parallel to the Israel - Palestinian conflict.

Ruth Behar. Jewish Cuban descent

“The healprints on their faces”
Essay. About Sarah and Hagar and sisterhood ... Women wringing women. Feminism roots in violence.
We were slaves but we also enslaved others. Cross the borders of our differences with respect.
We become a people at the expense of others. Those who are cast out so not forget.

Ch 17. God heard the cry of the boy. Angel calls to Hagar. (sign that things turn around same in the next story ).
She burst into tears..

R Menachem ha Meiri Why did God answer Ishmael rather than Hagar. Ishmael doesn't cry out.
Person can cry out without making a sound. Can we identify anguish even if a person is not making a sound?
Ishmael as needing compassion.

Gods response. Angel asks what troubles her... Compassionate approach.
A way of initiating discussion...
Story is about opening her up. “Do not fear.” (most used phrase in the Bible)

God has heard the voice of the boy where he is...
“Where he is.” - Rashi. He is being judged by his actual deeds not what he will do in the future.
Argument that the descendants will be enemies if the Jews. Why not kill him now? God judges on what he is now. Not what he will be later.

V18. Get up. Therapeutic technique, call to action. Hold your hand on him.
Get back to your child. His strength will return. Your hand will be strengthened also and it will come from him.
Next time more on the therapeutic technique!