Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 2:22 mean when it says Hashem made a woman from the man's side?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah), the word 'צלע' (side) refers to one of the two sides or halves that Adam was originally created with—male and female joined together. Hashem separated them to create two distinct beings, emphasizing that man and woman are fundamentally equal and complementary.
Q: Why did Hashem bring the woman to the man in Genesis 2:22?
A: The verse teaches that marriage is a divine institution. As Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 1:1-2) explains, Hashem brought them together to show that a man and woman are meant to unite in marriage, forming a sacred bond (Kiddushin). This act also highlights the importance of companionship, as stated earlier in Genesis 2:18 ('It is not good for man to be alone').
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 2:22 about relationships?
A: The verse teaches that a husband and wife are meant to be partners, as they originate from the same source. The Talmud (Yevamot 63a) derives from this that a man who lacks a wife lives without joy, blessing, and goodness. Marriage is seen as completing a person’s spiritual and emotional wholeness.
Q: How does Genesis 2:22 relate to the concept of marriage in Judaism?
A: This verse is the foundation for the Jewish view of marriage (Kiddushin). The Gemara (Sotah 2a) states that finding a spouse is as miraculous as the splitting of the Red Sea, showing that marriage is divinely orchestrated. The act of bringing the woman to the man signifies that a proper marriage requires mutual respect and divine blessing.
Q: Does Genesis 2:22 imply that men and women are equal in Judaism?
A: Yes, traditional Jewish sources emphasize equality in essence but different roles. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 8:1) explains that Adam was initially created as a dual being (androgynous) before being separated, showing that men and women share the same spiritual origin. While their roles may differ (as outlined in halacha), their value before Hashem is equal.
The Creation of Woman from Man's Side
The verse (Bereishit 2:22) describes how Hashem fashioned the woman from the tzela (צֵלָע) taken from Adam. The term tzela is often translated as "rib," but classical Jewish commentators offer deeper insights into its meaning and symbolism.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 2:21) explains that tzela does not merely mean "rib," but rather "side," implying that Hashem took one of Adam's two sides (as if he were originally created with two halves, male and female). This aligns with the earlier verse (Bereishit 1:27) stating that Adam was created "male and female." The separation was a divine act to form two distinct beings.
The Midrashic Perspective
Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (8:1) elaborates that Adam was initially created as a dual-faced being (androgynous), and Hashem later separated the female side to form Chava (Eve). This teaches that man and woman were originally united, emphasizing their inherent connection and equality in creation.
Rambam's Philosophical Insight
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2) interprets the formation of woman from man as a metaphor for their complementary roles. Just as the tzela was taken from Adam's side—neither from his head nor his feet—woman was created to be a partner, neither subordinate nor superior.
Symbolism of the Tzela
Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Sanhedrin 39a) derives from this verse that a man must honor his wife, as she is "bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh." This foundational concept influences Jewish marital laws, emphasizing mutual respect and partnership.