Question: Why in Genesis does God make man in "OUR" image if there is only one God?
Dear Rabbi Erkin,
In Genesis 1:26 the word says: Then God said "Let us make man in OUR image, in OUR likeness". Given there is only one God, who is the OUR it refers to? I know the Christian answer would likely be the trinity, but surely this translation from the Hebrew pre-dates the New Testament's definition.
Best regards, Johnathan
Answer: Dear Jonathan:
Jewish commentators teach us that it is precisely from here that we first learn of God's humility and His efforts to preempt any jealousy.
God certainly does not need the help of angels to create man. Angels too, are created in God's image.
God merely wanted to allow the angels to feel special and a "part of the program."
So too, we should humble ourselves once in a while in order to make others feel that they and their feelings are important and meaningful.
Note: The verses continue with: "and He created man", not "and they created".
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
