Barely does the Torah begin to tell the narrative of life when there is a brutal murder. The reason for the act is not clear. Perhaps it does not matter. In the aftermath of such a deadful deed what is left? One man's physical life is over. Another man's future has been extinguished. Cain is scarred by his own act. What chance does Cain have? What hope can he latch on to? Is there redemption for such a man? Is Cain destined for endless wandering, emptiness and pain?
After the death of brother, Abel, God places a mark upon Cain's forehead. Reb Mordecai asks: "Why did the Holy One place such a mark on Cain? The outward sense of the Torah indicates that the sign was to prevent anyone from killing Cain out of vengeance or righteous indignation. Is this what the Text really means? Did the Holy One have the visible mark placed on Cain prevent more pain from entering the world?"
"No," said the Reb Mordecai.
"The reason for the mark was so that no one would defeat Cain's spirit of hopeful return. No one should say things that would detour Cain while he was intent upon teshuva, repentance."
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