In the Image of God

October 16-17, 2015 / 4 Cheshvan 5776

Shabbat Noach

Torah – Genesis 6:9-11:32 / Haftarah – Isaiah 54:1-55:5

“In the Image of God”

Dear Friends,

After Noah emerged from the ark, he received a series of basic religious commandments known as the Seven Noahide Laws, which Judaism considers obligatory for all of humanity. The final law prohibits murder of another human being: “Whoever sheds a person’s blood, that person’s blood shall blood be shed…for human beings were created in the image of God.” (Genesis 9:6) What is the meaning of this unique term, “in the image of God” (“b’tzelem Eloheem”)? As God has no form (a fundamental principle of Judaism), how can humans be created “in God’s image?” Maimonides explained that this verse refers to our human intellect and self-awareness, which allows us to comprehend our own existence. Ramban argues that this phrase refers to the human soul—the spiritual-metaphysical element that can never be extinguished. These interpretations highlight a core Jewish belief in the uniqueness of all human beings, who share an intellectual, spiritual and metaphysical element of godliness.

The notion that God created people in God’s image has served as a guiding principal not only for Judaism, but has influenced intellectuals and thinkers throughout history. The famous statement in America’s Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” stems directly from the Judaic teaching that every human being carries a spark of godliness within. The concept of b’tzelem Eloheem also represents a core value of Israeli society, which works to protect and defend all lives. One of the basic values of the Israel Defense Forces taught to every Israeli soldier is the value of Human Dignity: “The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position.”

Good people around the world recoil at the heinous Palestinian terrorism that is surging through Israel.  We pray that Israel’s security forces will do what is necessary to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice.  Moreover, we pray that soon the day will come when all those dwelling in our holy land will see each other as created b’tzelem Eloheem – in the image of God – and find a way to live together in peace.

This Shabbat, as every Shabbat, we will pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May she know peace and may the human dignity of her inhabitants be protected.

Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow