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"Na'aseh Adam", "Let us make man" (Bereishis Genesis, Chapter 1, verse 26) According to Rashi, "Let US (emphasis added) make man" alludes to the fact that Hashem (G-d) consulted with the angels regarding the creation of man. By doing so, Hashem taught the importance of good manners and character even, according to Rav Hagram Shach ztl", at the risk of heretics seizing on the plural pronoun (US) to challenge the Oneness of Hashem. Since man would be created in the likeness of angels, Hashem wished to prevent the arousal of jealousy. Consulting with the angels shows Hashem's lack of concern for His own honor and underscores the greatness of humility. Hashem's example illustrates how Derech Eretz (good manners and courtesy) precedes even Torah. The above excerpt is taken from La Binyamin Amar, by Rabbi Benjamin Nadoff, z'tl". Translated by Rabbi Shimon Silver and Shai Miller. |