The story of Cain and Able has troubled many people. In searching for answers, the following story line is very helpful.

Cain was a tiller of the ground. He raised fruits and vegetables. The work was backbreaking and required much effort, clearing the field of stones, breaking up the soil, planting seeds, watering, weeding, keeping out unwanted animals, and harvesting. Cain’s work produced the majority of the food for the entire family.

Able herded animals, primarily sheep and goats. His work produced wool for clothing and milk for the family. Watching over animals wasn’t nearly as backbreaking as tilling the ground. Much time was spent just watching the flock, occasionally going after straying lambs or chasing away wild predators.

One of the lambs was with Able everywhere he went. It paid particularly close attention to Able and every time he called, the lamb came leaping over rocks and its little tail wagged in anticipation of a kind hand rubbing its muzzle or head. One could see the love between Able and this little one upon first glance.

Every evening, Cain saw Able eating the food he had provided for the family. Cain didn’t mind, he loved his family and took much pride in his work. Even Able’s lamb seemed to enjoy sharing in the evening meals which brought a smile to Cain’s tired eyes.

One day the family had a time of sacrificing unto the L-rd. Cain brought the very best fruit, grain and vegetables from his field. He carefully prepared them to be received. Able also took a choice lamb from his flocks. During the sacrifice, it was obvious that the L-rd was particularly pleased with Able’s offering. Cain was visibly upset that the L-rd did not show so much favor with his offerings, which were given at great cost. Realizing that Able had been eating his fruit and vegetables caused him to burn with anger. Able’s little lamb had also eaten of his sweat and toil, and it seemed that even G-d was denying him the blessing that he had apparently earned.

The next time I saw Able, there was something missing. The little lamb that was always near him was nowhere to be found. Able didn’t even call for him. Then I realized that Able had truly given more than just any lamb from his herd. My heart broke for him, as he sat alone on the hillside, watching his flocks.

Able’s sacrifice was truly a sacrifice of self. He had taken more than just sweat and toil as an offering to HaShem, he had offered his heart and the longing of his soul.

In today’s society, sacrifices of this nature are not often given to HaShem. We tear a piece of paper from a checkbook or grab a few papers from our wallet and casually throw them into the collection box at shul, thinking like Cain, that HaShem will take note. Then we notice the widow who always sits at the other end of our bench, who often receives our benevolence. She placed fifty cents in the box and HaShem pours out his blessings on her. What made the difference?

Its called "sacrifice". King David wrote, "…neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which cost me nothing." Rabbi Yeshua ben Joseph tells us that the widow who threw her two mites into the box, had given more than all those who were wealthy, because she had given out of her need whereas they gave from their excess.

If you need HaShem’s attention, try giving a true sacrifice to Him and watch Him pay attention to you.