Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Hashem ask Adam 'Where are you?' if He already knew where Adam was?
A: According to Rashi, Hashem asked Adam 'Where are you?' not because He didn't know Adam's physical location, but to give Adam an opportunity to confess his sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge. This teaches us that Hashem gives people chances to repent and admit their mistakes before judging them.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind the question 'Where are you?' in Genesis 3:9?
A: The Midrash explains that 'Where are you?' refers to Adam's spiritual state after the sin. It was asking 'Where have you placed yourself in relation to your original spiritual level?' This teaches us to regularly examine our spiritual standing and relationship with Hashem.
Q: How does Genesis 3:9 relate to repentance (teshuvah)?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse demonstrates the first step in teshuvah - recognizing where we've gone wrong. Hashem's question was meant to prompt Adam to reflect on his actions. Similarly, we must regularly ask ourselves 'Where are we' spiritually to identify areas needing improvement.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'the man' instead of using Adam's name in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that by calling him 'the man' rather than 'Adam,' the Torah shows how Adam had diminished himself through sin. His name represents his divine image, which became obscured after his transgression. This teaches how sin can distance us from our higher spiritual potential.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn today from Genesis 3:9?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 5b) derives from this verse that we should regularly ask ourselves 'Where are we' in our spiritual journey. Just as Hashem prompted Adam to self-reflect, we should periodically examine our actions, mitzvah observance, and relationship with Hashem to grow spiritually.
The Divine Call to Adam
The verse "וַיִּקְרָא יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶל־הָאָדָם וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ אַיֶּכָּה" (And the Lord God called to the man and said to him, "Where art thou?") appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 3:9, following Adam and Chava's consumption of the forbidden fruit. This question, posed by Hashem to Adam, is laden with profound theological and ethical implications.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 3:9) comments that Hashem, in His omniscience, certainly knew Adam's physical location. The question "אַיֶּכָּה" was not about Adam's whereabouts but about his spiritual state. Rashi explains that this was a rhetorical call to prompt Adam to engage in teshuvah (repentance). Hashem was giving Adam an opportunity to acknowledge his sin and return to righteousness.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 19:9) elaborates that Hashem's call was an act of mercy, demonstrating His desire for reconciliation rather than immediate punishment. The Midrash compares this to a king who, upon discovering his son's wrongdoing, gently calls out to him to give him a chance to confess and mend his ways.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance 2:4) cites this verse as a foundational example of how Hashem initiates the process of teshuvah. Even when a person has strayed, Hashem reaches out to guide them back, emphasizing free will and the possibility of moral return.
The Maharal's Interpretation
The Maharal (Gur Aryeh on Bereishit 3:9) explains that "אַיֶּכָּה" is a call to self-awareness. Adam, who was created in the Divine image, had lost his way by disobeying Hashem's command. The question challenges Adam to recognize his diminished state and seek restoration.
Practical Lessons