Maureena’s Torah Reflections
Parashat Bereshit. Genesis 1:1–6:8
In this Torah portion we have two distinct versions of the creation of Adam and Eve. The most familiar is the chauvinist one that describes the creation of woman from the rib of the man (Gen 2:22-22).
The more egalitarian version is the one that says, “male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27). If this is so, then the image of God that is within every human person is both male and female. That means that God is not merely a male, not merely a Father. God is also a female and a mother. We have emphasized God’s maleness and have lost sight of the female, womanly aspects of God by silencing the voice of women.
An important revolution is taking place, the struggle for equality of women in rights, status and abilities. In participating in this struggle, God will be revealed in all his/her aspects. And the Church will blossom when women’s voices are added to the official voices of men.
(My inspiration for these comments has come from Avrum Burg’s book, Very Near to You).
Reflection question: how to you react to these words?
Prepared by Prof. Sr. Maureena Fritz nds
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4