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PARSHAT
BERESHIT
IN THE IMAGE OF G-D
The Bible teaches us that man and woman were originally one being,
"So G-d created the man in His own image, in the image of G-d
He created him, male and female He created them" (Gen. 1:28).
Why does the Torah jump from the singular "him" to the
plural "them" when describing the first human being? This
change of gender indicates the transition from the spiritual - where
man and woman were one inseparable being - to the physical - where
mankind became split into different genders, each with its own unique
physical and spiritual capacities. The equal status of man and woman
is clear from the fact that both are manifestations of G-d's image;
G-d is one, and therefore has no higher or lower image.
AN EQUAL MATCH
In Gen. 2:18, woman's role is described in relation to man: "And
the Eternal G-d said, It is not good for man to be alone, I will
make a helper to match him." The term "not good"
indicates lack of perfection. Hence, a man without a woman can never
be complete. This fundamental principle is reflected in our oral
tradition: "The man who has no wife lacks everything. He has
no joy, no blessing, nothing good, no knowledge, no comfort, no
peace" (Yevamoth 62b). The woman who completes man is described
in Hebrew as an "Ezer Kenegedo". This expression is not
easily translated. The word "Ezer" means helper; however,
the term "Kenegedo" has several meanings: opposite, against,
facing, contrary to, matching, parallel and in opposition to. The
common denominator of all these expressions is equality.
You can only be an opponent in chess if you are an equal player.
It is the challenge of the opponent that sharpens and refines his
partner. The reason woman perfects man in the game of life is that
she is his equal match. She complements him in every way. A true
woman realizes and enjoys her unique femininity, which enables her
to bring out the best in man, as it states: "A virtuous woman
is the crown of her husband" (Prov. 12:4).
For the complete dvar Torah, please send email to berot@netvision.net.il.
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Presented by Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin Wellsprings of Jewish Learning.
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