Great Discoveries

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

One of the most startling stories ever is the story that occurred just after creation, the story of mankind eating from the fruit of the forbidden tree. The Torah relates (Bireishis 2:25) that, before the sin, mankind saw nothing wrong with going unclothed. After the sin, man says, “I was afraid, because I was unclothed.” What exactly does it mean that before the sin man did not appreciate that he was unclothed?

The commentaries explain that, before the sin, man did not appreciate the reality of sinful behavior. The souls of mankind radiated a powerful spiritual light throughout their bodies, all the way to their outer skin, so sinful behavior was not something that they personally considered. Once the forbidden fruit was introduced into their essence they made a great discovery. They discovered the possibility of sinful behavior and realized the improper potential of their bodies. Suddenly they had an immediate and compelling reason to cover their bodies. As man says, “I was afraid” when I realized with my newfound understanding the ramifications of being unclothed. Now that man has discovered the potential for wrongdoing he must take steps to protect himself.

Later in the Parsha, we encounter Kayin, who also makes a great discovery. After killing his brother Hevel in passion and jealousy, Kayin becomes obsessed with the word, “Chanoch” which means education. He calls his child “Chanoch,” and likewise calls the city that he builds, “Chanoch.” The Ha’Kisav V’ha’Kabbala commentary explains that, as Kayin reflected on his terribly destructive deed, he made a great discovery. Kayin came to recognize his personal drives of passion and jealousy and wished that he had received a proper “education.” By calling his son and the city by the name “Chanoch,” Kayin was declaring that, as he saw it, the success of humanity would hinge on proper education. We are not referring to scholastic education or apprenticeship type training. Rather we refer to education for life, how to deal with one’s emotions and how to conduct oneself in interpersonal relationships. Kayin declares: Had I received a proper upbringing, this tragedy would never have happened. Alas, Kayin was born to the first man and woman as a grown man and never had the benefit of an emotional education.

Imagine a newcomer to our society who was simply handed keys to a car, without any commentary. He would be unaware of the enormous  blessing that a car could be, and he would also be unaware of the enormous havoc that a car could wreak. The great self-discovery of what a human being is, and what he or she is capable of, is the discovery of first man as well as the discovery of Kayin. Both physically and emotionally the human being is a powerhouse. Only with proper controls and training will he succeed.

© 2016 by TEACH613™