10 Questions
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'?
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'?
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, 'in the image of God' signifies the ability to be creative beings and all the talents and skills that go with it, setting humans apart from animals and making them like Hashem, the creator of the universe.
Why did Rabbi Moshe Feinstein not say anything immediately when the car door was closed on his fingers?
Rabbi Feinstein did not want to cause a terrible upset to the young man that closed the door, who would never have forgiven himself.
What was the consequence for אדם and חוה breaking the rule of not eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge?
They were thrown out of Gan Eden and forced to work for their food.
What were the names of the two sons of אדם and חוה?
Kayin and Hevel.
Where did אדם and חוה live before being thrown out of it?
They lived in Gan Eden – the Garden of Eden.
What did אדם and חוה have permission to eat from in Gan Eden?
They could eat whatever they wanted from the garden, except the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
What sets humans apart from animals according to the text?
Humans possess something of God within them, giving them a special purpose and calling to live up to.
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.
Explore the concept of humans being created "in the image of God" through the perspectives of Rashi and Rambam. Delve into the unique qualities that set humans apart from animals and the significance of the power to understand and think about concepts and ideas.
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