Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d caused Adam to fall into a deep slumber and formed a woman, Eve, from one of his sides. Adam was delighted with his new mate. The serpent, at the time the wisest of all animals, sweet-talked Eve into eating from the fruit of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. Eve shared the fruit with Adam, and imbued with a new sense of knowledge and awareness, they were ashamed of their nakedness and clothed themselves. The fallout was quick to come: G‑d cursed the serpent, Eve, and Adam too, with various maledictions.

Why did G-d have to make Adam fall asleep to give him Eve? The Gemara explains that had Adam seen where Eve came from, she would have been repulsive to him. The question is what would have been so repulsive. Is it because he is no longer whole, and requires a partner to be complete? Is it because he understood that the process of courtship would be difficult for some, impossible for others? Was it because the process would create so much heartbreak in the world? All because he wanted an external partner? Interesting points to ponder. 

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