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 In Memory of Timna, the Outsider 

In Memory of Timna, the Outsider
I'd like to introduce you to a Biblical figure who you've likely never heard of.
Her name is Timna.
She is not Jewish.
Yet her life story as depicted in the Torah, serves to teach us some important lessons about what Judaism should not be.
In this week's Torah portion, Timna is mentioned only briefly. She is described as the concubine -- the unmarried sexual partner -- of Isaac's grandson, Eliphaz. (Genesis 36:12)
Timna was a princess, destined for a life of leisure and luxury. But at some point, she became inspired by a religious revolution known as Judaism.
Unlike her nation, which worshipped idols, the descendants of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebecca believed in an invisible, transcendent God, sustaining the world based on care, kindness, and compassion.
And she wanted to join.
The Talmud tells us that, during various times and generations, she approached Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, asking to become a part of the Jewish people -"But they did not accept her."
But she was not deterred. Timna decided it would be better to remain the unacknowledged partner of Eliphaz, the gruff son of Essav, than to become the queen of her own people.
The Talmud quotes Timna saying, "Better to be a maidservant to this nation than to be royalty to another nation." (Sanhedrin 99b).
We're not sure why Timna was turned away. Perhaps the Israelites were suspicious of outsiders. Perhaps they believed that Judaism was a bloodline rather than a belief system. Perhaps they doubted her sincerity.
But the end result was that this woman of faith and principle was relegated to a tent, her story sidelined and much smaller than it might have been.
The Torah tells us that from the children Timna and Eliphaz's union emerged the nation of Amalek. This was a people that later, as the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, attacked from the rear - assaulting the elderly, and the physically and mentally challenged.
Amalek also produced one of Judaism's most detested villains: Haman, whom we all revile at Purim.
And why was this nation so hostile to the Jewish people throughout the ages? The Talmud observes, in a surprising moment of real self-awareness, "Because they -- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- should not have driven Timna away."
In other words, in the end, shutting out the outsider produced pain and suffering for the Jewish people.
The Timna story as interpreted by the Talmud is obviously a complex one. Ultimately, though, our Sages seem to be going out of their way to teach us that Judaism, and its emphasis on creating a better world, is somehow degraded when we shut out those of different upbringings.
Indeed, within contemporary society, Judaism has benefitted by including those of other backgrounds, through conversion or simple inclusion.
With such a high percentage of families in the United States and Canada rewriting the traditional definition of what constitutes a Jewish family, the story of Timna reminds us that we've long known how much we lose when we lock our doors.
There are so many children yet to be born who are turned away. And we see, in the case of Amalek, that exclusivity can produce suspicion, hostility and hatred.
There is no excuse for the actions of Amalek. Attacking the most vulnerable within society is detestable. But let us also be aware of an important lesson that our Sages appear to be teaching, as they criticize the Judaism's founding generations:
"Never shut out those of good intentions who wish to join you."
Not only do we lose the benefit of their insights, but we foster an image of Judaism detached from the rest of humanity.
Imagine what Timna could have done for the Jewish people had she been accepted!
If American Judaism is to grow into the future, it must collectively redefine inclusion. Programs such as Birthright and services such as JDate have played an important role in celebrating Judaism among Jews, and it's a direction to enthusiastically embrace.
But we must be aware that Judaism, with its emphasis on "justice, goodness and humility" cannot remain closed to those who have not always been with us, and who wish to join.
Let us learn from Timna's story, and the rabbis' teachings regarding the founding of Amalek.
This is the new Jewish reality. Let us explore how those of all backgrounds, under the Jewish banner, can serve humanity.
May this week's brief mention of the concubine Timna inspire us to examine the borders of Judaism, as we define "who is in, and who is out."
May we be inspired to embrace a more inclusive identity as we evolve Judaism into the future.
May we remember Timna this week, and always. And may her memory always be for a blessing.
Shabbat shalom, v'kol tuv (with all goodness)
Rabbi Irwin Huberman