My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Bereshit (2)
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on October 22, 2008 | Tags: Bereshit
We start the Torah anew with Parshah Bereshit. At the climax of the creation story we get this curious statement: “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’” (Gen. 1:26) “Us?” Who’s “us?” God is One, and the rabbis are clear that no one was helping Him in the creation, so where did this plural come from? As you might imagine, sages have wrestled with this for millennia. Rashi’s explanation sounds like it could come from “Business Tips from God.” According to Rashi, God consulted with the angels, soliciting their opinions, since they – unlike humanity – were NOT created in God’s image. Why ask them at all? So that they would not become jealous. When people feel they have participated in a decision, even if it’s ultimately made by someone else, they get to feel a sense of “ownership” of that decision. By making the angels the first consultants, God ensures Man would not arrive with jealous rivals already waiting.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
