Are Women Also Created in God's Image? - Beraishit

Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

In his podcast on the Torah portion of Bereshit (Genesis), Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores a lesser-known aspect of the creation narratives. He examines Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make human in our image, according to our likeness," and notes that God created humans "male and female." This suggests both genders were created simultaneously in God's image, raising questions about the nature of God and gender equality in the divine plan.
Moving to Genesis chapter 2, Rabbi Brackman highlights a different sequence. Here, God forms man from dust and breathes life into him. Seeing that "it is not good for man to be alone," God decides to create a helper. After Adam names all the animals but finds no suitable companion, God causes a deep sleep, takes one of his sides (often translated as "ribs"), and fashions it into a woman. Adam declares her "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh," implying woman is derived from man and may not share the divine image in the same way.
Rabbi Brackman notes the anomaly between the two chapters: the first depicts man and woman created together in God's image, while the second portrays woman as an afterthought to alleviate man's loneliness. This raises the question of whether the divine image includes both genders or is initially solely male.
Setting aside critical theories like the Documentary Hypothesis, he delves into Genesis 6:1-4, where the "sons of God" see that the daughters of humans are beautiful and take them as wives. This introduces the mysterious "sons of God" (b'nei elohim) and the "Nephilim" or "fallen ones."
Traditional commentaries like Rashi interpret the "sons of God" as powerful human leaders abusing authority. However, Rabbi Brackman explores a Midrashic interpretation, supported by Ramban and hinted at by Maimonides, identifying the "sons of God" as angels attracted to human women. Without female counterparts in heaven, these angels descend, assume physical forms, and marry human women.
Their union results in the Nephilim, "mighty men of old, men of renown," with extraordinary abilities due to their mixed heritage. Their existence increases wickedness on earth. Concerned, God limits human lifespan to 120 years to curb their influence.
Rabbi Brackman observes that God limiting human power recurs in Genesis, such as expelling Adam and Eve to prevent immortality. Despite the Flood intended to cleanse corruption, some beings like Og, "the refugee from the flood," survive. Their descendants become formidable inhabitants of the land destined for Israel.
When the Israelites approach the Promised Land, spies report encountering giants descended from the Nephilim. Overwhelmed, they feel like grasshoppers, leading to hesitation and disobedience.
Rabbi Brackman suggests that part of the Israelites' mission is to eliminate these angel-human hybrids posing moral and spiritual threats. Confronting them is daunting but necessary to restore balance.
He acknowledges this interpretation raises complex theological issues about angels, the divine image, and women's role. The idea of angels cohabiting with humans challenges traditional views of spiritual beings.

Support the show

Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.