Creation Vs Evolution

When one reads Genesis 1, one can see how the theory of evolution might make sense. The creation of the world reads very much like the flow of evolution that made Charles Darwin so famous. Of course, Genesis explains the cause differently than Mr. Darwin, but the essence is there: Life on earth has developed in stages, with escalating levels of complexity and organization.

So we can assume that the less complex life forms were created first, then life was created in higher and higher levels until the crown of creation: A human. To all those who complain that the bible places women on an inferior level; and those who believe it and use it to oppress women, here is G-d's own work: He created male and female together. As equals. 

So there.

Unfortunately, Genesis does not end after chapter one. There's a second version (appropriately enough, it's named 'chapter 2') that tells of G-d creating man first, then all the trees and then all the animals and then a woman as sort of an appendix to the man.

Generations of scholars have tried to puzzle this out. Why are there two versions and why are they so different, and which one is the 'right' one and what does it all mean, anyway? I believe the consensus is that both versions are somehow correct at the same time and it's only our very limited human understanding that prevent us from getting it. At any rate, since both are in the sacred text, we must assume they somehow mesh together. Maybe the first one is the plan and the second is what actually happened?

But, if we try to incorporate both versions, we might reach the conclusion that G-d was creating the world in escalating levels of complexity and organization (on the cellular and organ level) and suddenly realized that man was a much lower creature than He assumed. In the second version, after all, man was created before almost everything else. What was the last thing to be created? The creation we assume (according to the first version) is at the highest level of sophistication? That's right. Woman.

(Dear Friend (and you know who you are) who is getting ready to have me drawn and quartered: I'm not done yet, relax.)


So what are we to do? Are men and women equals? created at the same time as a "package deal" called 'human'? or are men superior to women since everything seems to have been created for them (trees and animals and even women themselves)? or are women superior to men, having been created at the very top of the creation ladder (when G-d already knew exactly which mistakes to avoid, so to speak)?

There are many proofs to the argument that, on a purely biological level, women are superior. There are just as many arguments that they are superior on a social level. The Talmud offers arguments that women are superior on a spiritual level, too. So where did humanity go wrong during the last few millenniums? How did men manage to come out on top?

There is a theory that claims that G-d did not create a man and a woman but a human. That the first human was a creature made of both genders attached back to back. That the "creation" of woman was simply a separation of the two so they can face each other ("Ke-negdo") and not be alone any more. After all, the Hebrew word for 'rib' also means 'side' (as in the 'sides' of a triangle, for example.) That's why man could not find any animal to suit him as a spouse. His soul mate was attached to him the whole time. Doesn't Genesis 2 state clearly: "That's why a man will leave his mother and father and cleave to his woman and they shall become one flesh"?

There is no doubt in my mind as to who is the more evolved one in my marriage. But without each other, we are simply halves of a whole. We need both of our qualities to make a complete human. (Not a person. A Human.) As my daughter said at the end of our trip to Israel: "Thank you Imma and Aba for this wonderful trip, where Imma came up with fun and interesting stuff to do and Aba made sure it was cheap."

We all need each other because without each other we are not complete. Without the 'bad' qualities of our spouse, life will have no flavor, no zest. We want our lives to be sweet and tart, salty and spicy and wonderful. Just like the arba minim, we need more than one way to look at every situation in life.


This dish is sweet, tart and spicy. Since you would want to eat it with some chips, it will have saltiness, as well. And what can be more appropriate for this season than a pomegranate (which makes better sense as a candidate for the "forbidden fruit" than an apple. Pomegranates are way more tempting.)



Pomegranate Salsa


Mix together:

Juice from one large pomegranate (or 1/4 cup bottled juice; just juice, no sugar added, no cocktail stuff; plain juice of pomegranate.)
2 cups of pomegranate seeds (about 2-3 pomegranate's worth)
3-4 tsp of minced fresh jalapeno
1/4 cup minced yellow bell pepper
4 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley, but only if you must)
1 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs rice vinegar


Serve with tortilla or pita chips.

Makes enough for 8 servings as a small appetizer







I have no idea if men are 'better' than women or vice versa.   I do know they tend to behave childishly and act before they think. It's endearing, in a way, but I believe I will go on thinking that women are superior biologically, socially and spiritually. I have experts' support for all three. And as the superior gender, it is up to us to lovingly guide them into being better humans. I recommend bribery.





(Dear Friend who still wants to berate me, you can unleash your fury now.)