Judaism's Top 40!
Today: Elul 4 - and #37 of Judaism's Top 40:
Tzelem Elohim
Tzelem Elohim - the
creation of every human being in the image of God. ”And God created the
human being in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female
he created them.” [Genesis]
"We are created in the image of God, if you will, and we are
obliged to return the favor."
Rabbi Arthur Green
Erica Brown writes:
Rabbi Art Green's quote is taken from his book "Seek My Face" in
an essay about God's image. Looking back at his quote, we ask ourselves what it
means to be created in God's image. It is not only a description of our
creative powers; it is also a statement of responsibility about the way that we
treat others. Do we see God in them? Do we recognize that all people are
created in this image, not just famous people or people who can serve us in
some way? Rabbi Green continues and elaborates on this responsibility:
"The inner drive to imitate the ever-giving source of life calls forth in
us an unceasing flow of love, generosity of spirit, and full acceptance, both
of ourselves and of all God's creatures." In the ideal sense, if we
truly believe we are all created in God's image we have to recognize everyone
around us at all times.
Links:
I pose this question to my students: If I truly believe
that each one of you is made in the image of God, then how will I treat you?
How should we treat one another if we believe this is true? They understand
what I'm saying; they know that I am talking about treating others with
loving-kindness, respect, and dignity.
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