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Questions and Answers
What are some different interpretations of 'in the image of God'?
What are some different interpretations of 'in the image of God'?
Some interpretations of 'in the image of God' include the power to understand and think about concepts and ideas, the power of giving and caring for others, free will to choose how to behave and think, the ability to be creative beings, and having something holy and Godlike in our physical bodies.
What unique ability does Rabbi Dessler attribute to humans as part of being 'in the image of God'?
What unique ability does Rabbi Dessler attribute to humans as part of being 'in the image of God'?
Rabbi Dessler attributes the unique ability of giving to others and caring about people, even if you don’t know them, as something unique to God, which He gave humans the ability to achieve as well.
What does Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk consider to be the meaning of 'in the image of God'?
What does Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk consider to be the meaning of 'in the image of God'?
Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk considers that 'in the image of God' means free will, which is the ability to choose how to behave and think, rather than just act on instinct like animals do.
According to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, what does 'in the image of God' signify for humans?
According to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, what does 'in the image of God' signify for humans?
Why did Rabbi Moshe Feinstein not say anything immediately when the car door was closed on his fingers?
Why did Rabbi Moshe Feinstein not say anything immediately when the car door was closed on his fingers?
What was the consequence for אדם and חוה breaking the rule of not eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge?
What was the consequence for אדם and חוה breaking the rule of not eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge?
What were the names of the two sons of אדם and חוה?
What were the names of the two sons of אדם and חוה?
Where did אדם and חוה live before being thrown out of it?
Where did אדם and חוה live before being thrown out of it?
What did אדם and חוה have permission to eat from in Gan Eden?
What did אדם and חוה have permission to eat from in Gan Eden?
What sets humans apart from animals according to the text?
What sets humans apart from animals according to the text?
Flashcards
Image of God - Interpretations
Image of God - Interpretations
Different perspectives on what it means to be created 'in the image of God', encompassing concepts like understanding, caring, free will, creativity, and possessing a divine quality.
Rabbi Dessler's view of image of God
Rabbi Dessler's view of image of God
Rabbi Dessler believed the unique human ability to care for and give to others, even strangers, exemplifies the image of God.
Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk's view
Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk's view
Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk emphasized free will as the defining characteristic of being created 'in the image of God'.
Rabbi Soloveitchik's view of image of God
Rabbi Soloveitchik's view of image of God
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Rabbi Feinstein's reaction to accident
Rabbi Feinstein's reaction to accident
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Consequence of eating from Tree of Knowledge
Consequence of eating from Tree of Knowledge
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Adam and Eve's sons' names
Adam and Eve's sons' names
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Adam and Eve's initial dwelling
Adam and Eve's initial dwelling
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Forbidden fruit in Garden of Eden
Forbidden fruit in Garden of Eden
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Human distinction from animals
Human distinction from animals
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Study Notes
"In the Image of God"
- "In the image of God" has multiple interpretations:
- Rashi/Rambam: humans possess a unique ability to understand and think about abstract concepts and ideas, beyond physical senses.
- Rabbi Dessler: humans have the capacity to give to others and care for them, which is a divine trait.
- Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk: humans possess free will, enabling them to make choices and act without instinctual compulsion.
- Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: humans have creative abilities and talents, setting them apart from animals and making them like God, the creator.
- Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch: humans have a holy and godlike essence in their physical bodies, giving them a special purpose.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's Story
- Rabbi Moshe Feinstein remained silent when his hand was slammed by a car door to avoid causing upset to the young man who closed the door.
- He waited until the car had traveled a safe distance before speaking up.
Creation Story
- The story of Bereishit begins with Hashem creating the world and the first humans, אדם and חוה.
- אדם and חוה lived in the Garden of Eden and had all they needed, but were forbidden from eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
- They broke this rule, were expelled from the Garden, and forced to work for their food.
- Their two sons, Kayin and Hevel, grew up in harsh conditions, leading to a soured relationship and the first murder in the Tenach.
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