Tree of Knowledge

“The Origins and Meaning of Evil”
(updated and revised from Bereshith 5762-2001)

When the world was created, Scripture informs us that G-d saw all that He had created and that it was "very good." If that's the case, then how was evil introduced? Apparently, evil was introduced when human beings defied G-d. Fortunately, G-d has given humankind the opportunity to repair the world through good deeds and the technological skills that can eliminate most, if not all, of the world’s evils.

How to Achieve Immortality the G-dly Way
(Revised and updated from Bereshith 5760-1999)

The Biblical story of the Garden of Eden teaches that two of the greatest human aspirations are the desire for omniscience and the desire for immortality. Both of these aspirations are symbolically represented by the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life. However, immortality cannot be achieved through immorality. Fortunately, we can regain entry into the Garden of Eden by following G-d’s instruction. The story of the Garden of Eden may appear to be simplistic, but it is actually one of the most important lessons for all humankind.

"The Help Meet"

After placing the human being in the Garden of Eden, G-d suddenly declares,”It is not good for the human being to be alone, I will make a help meet for him.” What is the meaning of this cryptic statement?

"'Naked' Means More than Naked"

It is no accident that the Torah states that Adam and Eve were both "ah'roo'mim"-- naked, in the Garden of Eden and that the serpent was "ah'room"-- naked and cunning. Not only was defying G-d by eating the forbidden fruit a loss of innocence for humankind, it also represented the failure of the human being to abide by the only mitzvah that they had been given. And now they were naked. To heal this shortcoming, the human beings are charged to clothe themselves in righteousness, and attire themselves in the words and the spirit of Torah.

"The Origins and Meanings of Evil"

When the world was created, Scripture informs us that G-d saw all that He had created and that it was "very good." If that's the case, then how was evil introduced? Apparently, evil was introduced when human beings defied G-d. Fortunately, G-d has given humankind the opportunity to repair the world through good deeds and by making human technological progress possible.

"How to Achieve Immortality the G-dly Way"

The two greatest aspirations of humankind are the desire for omniscience and the desire for immortality. Both of these aspirations are symbolically represented by the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life. However, immortality cannot be achieved through immorality. Fortunately, we can regain entry into the Garden of Eden by following G-d's instruction. The story of the Garden of Eden may appear to be simplistic, but it is actually one of the greatest lessons for all humankind.

"How to Achieve Immortality the G-dly Way"

The two greatest aspirations of humankind are the desire for omniscience and the desire for immortality. Both of these aspirations are symbolically represented by the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life. However, immortality cannot be achieved through immorality. Fortunately, we can regain entry into the Garden of Eden by following G-d's instruction. The story of the Garden of Eden may appear to be simplistic, but it is actually one of the greatest lessons for all humankind.