In the Book of Genesis, we read about how God created the heavens and earth and populated the world with every variety and species of plants and animals. But when it came to creating humanity, God started with just one individual – from whom all other human beings were fashioned. Why, asks the Talmud, would God initiate the entire human species from one person rather than populating the world with many individuals (Sanhedrin 37a). The Talmud answers: “In order to ensure peace among people – so that no one can claim ‘my ancestors are better than yours.’” We all come from the same source and therefore we are all fundamentally the same.
Nonetheless, the Talmud responds: how do we account for the differences between people? Answer: “God is not like human beings. A person can mint a coin from the same mold and all the coins come out alike. But when God forms a human being out of the mold of Adam and Eve, they all come out different.” This teaches us that every person is of immeasurable worth – both equal in value and also unique and different from everyone else. This means every person is worthy of dignity and respect as having been created in the divine image, possessing a spark of the divine. It also implies that human diversity is a strength and part of God’s plan. No single individual can claim a monopoly on holiness, but together – in all the many ways we are different from one another – humanity represents the many facets of the divine. Thus, says the Talmud, each person should feel as though the world was created just for them.
If you visit the HEA this month, you will see a lovely display in the lobby that celebrates the idea that each person is created in the divine image (b’zelem elokim) – both radically equal and immeasurably unique. Created by Mordy Kadovitz, the display honors National Pride Month, dedicated to promoting the dignity and equal rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. And at HEA we are proud to support our diverse community in all the ways people express their gender and sexual identities.
We invite you to join us this month for Pride events sponsored by HEA and the larger Denver Jewish community.
