YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Bereshit
In the description of the creation of the first woman (ibid. 21-23), a prominently repeated word is tzela. This word shares the first two Hebrew letters with tzelem, and in both cases, the connection between man and woman is in the forefront. Let us try to understand the significance of the tzela to this element of creation. According to the standard opinion in Chazal (Bereishit Rabba 80) and among commentaries such as the Ramban, the tzela is the bone (rib) from Adam’s body from which she was created. Another opinion connects the word to the one for the "side wall" of the Mishkan. Accordingly, Adam and Eve were created back-to-back as full forms, who were separated from each other’s side. The varied opinions can be said to symbolize different outlooks as to the relative prominence of man and woman.
Let us now connect tzela to a third and related concept – a physical phenomenon with great spiritual implications – tzel (a shadow). The Rama (Orach Chayim 664:1) cites the belief that there is a hint in the shadow of the moon on Hoshana Rabba as to what will happen to a person and his relatives during the course of the year. The Rama, though, prefers the opinion that one should not seek to see that hint: because it can be a bad omen, because few people can decipher it, and because it is better to be tamim (unquestioning) rather than try to predict the future.
We can suggest, then, that tzel represents the connection with Hashem. This certainly finds expression with the aforementioned tzelem. It continues with the life-giving force that accompanied the taking of the tzela from Adam. The removal of one’s tzel is a sign of their disconnection from its life source (see Bamidbar 14:9). We can now more greatly appreciate the statement of Chazal that when husband and wife are interacting properly, the Divine Presence is among them (Sota 17a). The tzela represents a person’s ability to strive for spiritual greatness and cling to the Divine Presence despite his having come from earth. His connection to his/her spouse is a secret recipe for success.
Returning to the sukka, its shade also represents the closeness to Hashem, and a sukka must have mainly shade to be kosher. The word hatzala (salvation) is also related. We receive salvation when Hashem protects us.
May we merit having personal and national connection to Hashem, and, in the merit of the tzela, may we maximize the tzelem and have hatzala.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
