Torah Study > Chapter 2: B'Tzelem Elohim > Text 1
What do you think it means to be made b’tzelem Elohim—in the
image of God?
Assuming that God could have chosen to make us in any way at all,
what is the significance of God choosing to make us in God’s image?
What do you think this text is trying to relate about the purpose of
humanity? Was the earth missing something without humans? What
can humans offer the earth? Are we necessary? Is the earth now
complete with us?
How does being created in the image of God relate to the mandate
of humanity described in the text? Do you think it would be possible
to fulfill this mandate if we were not made in the image of God?
B’tzelem Elohim is a rich, complex concept which is often challenging for students to fully understand, even if they have been exposed to the idea before. On the surface, b’tzelem Elohim seems to be a simple phrase, but coming to terms with what it actually means requires an understanding of what “Godly” qualities would be. Start by validating their struggle—Judaism has a rich tradition of wrestling with different ways to understand God.
TOP OF PAGE
How might we know when we are fulfilling the command God gave
us? What could be the measures of success?
Which, if any, of your characteristics do you consider to be “in the
image of God?” Do you behave in a God-like way? What would it
mean if you did?
Does the absence of a belief in God necessarily deminish the value
of human life? Do atheists value human life in a similar way? On what
basis?
Remind students, if necessary, that it doesn’t make a difference at this point in the discussion whether or not they believe the creation story is consistent with science. What matters is that this myth has been guiding the sensibilities, philosophy, and values of Jews throughout the ages. The students’ task is to work to understand the text and what it has meant to the Jewish people, to be its advocate, and to probe it for all the meaning and value it can offer. Afterwards, they can determine whether they like it or not. If appropriate, you can also lead a discussion about the nature of truth. That is, does something have to have happened in order to be “true?” Or can truth be what is derived from the lessons and message of a story?
TOP OF PAGE
