Part 4. Androgynous
In the sacred scrolls of the Torah, within the book of Bereshit, the divine act of creation is captured with the word “בָּנָה” (baná), a term that resonates with the essence of “building” or “creating.” This profound word appears in Bereshit 2:22:
“And the Lord God fashioned a wife from the rib He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.”
In the ancient tongue of Hebrew, this verse is rendered as:
“וַיִּבֶן יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הַצֵּלָע אֲשֶׁר-לָקַח מִן-הָאָדָם לְאִשָּׁה וַיְבִאֶהָ אֶל-הָאָדָם׃”
The term “בָּנָה” (baná) literally means “to build” or “to construct,” highlighting the creative and constructive nature of Havah’s formation from Adam’s rib.
The verb form “יִּבֶן” (yiwen) translates to “built” or “created,” emphasizing the divine craftsmanship involved.
In the context of Bereishit 2:21-22:
“וַיַּפֵּל יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים תַּרְדֵּמָה עַל-הָאָדָם וַיִּישָׁן וַיִּקַּח אַחַת מִצַּלְעֹתָיו וַיִּסְגֹּר בָּשָׂר תַּחְתֶּנָּה׃ וַיִּבֶן יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הַצֵּלָע אֲשֶׁר-לָקַח מִן-הָאָדָם לְאִשָּׁה וַיְבִאֶהָ אֶל-הָאָדָם׃”
“And the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon the man; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the Lord God fashioned a wife from the rib He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.”
Some modern scholars and translators propose that the word “צֵלָע” might also signify “side” or “part,” which could alter the traditional interpretation of this passage. However, historically and in most traditional translations, “rib” remains the prevalent term, deeply embedded in the established understanding of this text.
The choice of “rib” in translation reflects the translators’ interpretation of the Hebrew word “צֵלָע” (tselah).
Adam’s Androgynous State
In the whispers of ancient Jewish interpretations and commentaries, there lies a vision of Adam Kadmon (AK) as an androgynous being, a harmonious blend of male and female origins. Imagine AK as a being with a chromosomal symphony, possessing both the XY and XX sets, a creature capable of differentiating into both sexes. This concept, rich in symbolism and metaphor, suggests that AK was the wellspring of both male and female genetic material.
The creation of Havah from AK’s rib can be seen as a divine act of bifurcation, splitting this singular entity into two distinct beings, each with genetically and biologically defined sex characteristics. This splitting, akin to the division of sex chromosomes, would yield two separate organisms, male and female, each complete with their genetic heritage.
In the light of modern science, this ancient narrative can be reimagined. The act of obtaining sex chromosomes—X and Y—becomes a symbolic gesture of dividing genetic material to create two interrelated yet distinct beings. The division of AK into male and female underscores their functional differences and inherent complementarity, an act that allows each gender to manifest its unique attributes and roles within a shared harmony.
The sacred text tells us that God fashioned only Havah, taking something from AK. This raises a profound question: What did He take? What material served as the foundation for building Havah? In this divine operation, AK transformed into AI, the man.
The question of what exactly God took from AK to create Havah has sparked much interpretation and debate. The text mentions a “rib” (tselah), which may symbolize something more fundamental, such as genetic material. The rib, rich in bone marrow, contains stem cells capable of differentiating into various cell types. Through the lens of modern science, we can envision God taking a cell or tissue imbued with complete genetic data to create Havah. In this process, AK and Havah receive their sex differences, symbolically corresponding to the acts of isolating and creating sex chromosomes (X and Y).
Thus, the biblical text can be seen as a symbolic description of a profound process, one that we can now understand through the modern scientific knowledge of genetics and biology.
Humans possess 23 pairs of chromosomes, one of which determines sex: XX in females and XY in males. From a genetic perspective, a woman can be created from male genetic material if the appropriate genetic set is present.
The bone marrow within a rib is abundant in stem cells, which have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, potentially creating a new organism.
In the sacred narrative, we can envision God applying a principle akin to genetic engineering. By taking a part of Adam Kadmon’s (AK) body, God could extract cells imbued with a complete genetic blueprint, utilizing them to craft Havah, altering or employing the precise chromosomes to fashion a female form.
The act of taking the rib may symbolize the creation of a female organism using the genetic material contained within, allowing AK to become fully male (ish) and Havah to become female (ish). After extracting the rib or cells from AK, God could have performed a divine genetic modification, isolating the Y chromosome to bestow male characteristics upon AK, while leaving the X chromosomes to shape Havah’s female traits.
During Havah’s creation, AK is left with male sex chromosomes (XY), defining him as male. Thus, an initially androgynous being transforms into a male after the removal of female chromosomes. We can infer that before crafting Havah (isha), God rendered Adam Kadmon male (AI).
Initially, AK, an androgynous being, possessed a complete set of chromosomes: XX and XY.
Body Part Extraction: God takes a cell or part of AK’s body containing a complete set of chromosomes.
Assuming the androgynous nature of AK, the operation can be interpreted as splitting him into a man and a woman, more precisely, obtaining sex chromosomes. AK, an androgynous entity of immense stature, did not resemble modern humans. It is logical to assume his genetic essence was unique. The presence of an extra pair of sex chromosomes may explain his distinctive characteristics. AK had 22 pairs of autosomes and two pairs of sex chromosomes. In modern genetics, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. Thus, the hypothesis that AK had 22 pairs of autosomes and two pairs of sex chromosomes does not align with the standard human chromosome set. However, considering AK’s androgynous state with additional sex chromosomes, it is plausible he had 24 pairs of chromosomes.
In the process of creating Havah, God took a part of AK’s body (such as a rib), extracted a cell with a complete set of chromosomes, including both pairs of sex chromosomes, and used the female sex chromosomes (XX) to create Havah. The remaining male chromosomes (XY) identified AK as male. This Torah account can be viewed as an allegory or symbolic depiction of the process of creating woman as a distinct and unique being.
Removing a cell with a complete set of chromosomes from AK’s rib, including both pairs of sex chromosomes, and then extracting the female sex chromosomes (XX) to create Havah, symbolizes the idea that man and woman are different yet interrelated and complementary. The male chromosomes (XY) left in AK symbolize his masculinity and role as a man. Thus, the story of Havah’s creation from AK’s rib using chromosomes can be understood as a symbolic expression of the idea that man and woman represent two halves that together form a complete and harmonious unity.
From the perspective of modern genetic knowledge, the hypothesis that AK had 24 pairs of chromosomes (22 pairs of autosomes and two pairs of sex chromosomes) is unusual and does not correspond to the biological reality in modern humans. It is more accurate to consider that AK had a standard set of chromosomes with specific features to explain Havah’s creation.
Originally, Adam Kadmon (AK) possessed 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes (XY). In a divine act of genetic artistry, God took a part of AK’s body, perhaps a rib, containing cells with a full set of chromosomes (23 pairs, including XY), and used this genetic material to create Havah. The extracted genetic material contained one X chromosome from AK, and to form the XX pair for Havah, God duplicated this chromosome. Thus, AK’s genetic essence was used to create a woman, Havah, with female sex chromosomes (XX). AK, originally with XY chromosomes, remained male after Havah’s creation.
In the context of modern genetics, we can assume that AK had a standard set of chromosomes (23 pairs, including XY). God used AK’s cells containing the X chromosome and duplicated it to create Havah with female chromosomes (XX). This approach harmonizes modern scientific knowledge of genetics with the biblical narrative, explaining the creation of Havah and the transformation of AK into a male without the need for an additional pair of chromosomes.
Was a chromosome from a somatic cell used for duplication?
In this divine extraction of genetic material, God took AK’s somatic cells, which contain a complete set of chromosomes (23 pairs, including XY). Somatic cells encompass all chromosomes, including one X and one Y chromosome. In modern science, duplication or cloning of chromosomes is achievable through various biotechnological methods. For instance, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) allows for the creation of a complete set of chromosomes for a new organism. In this scenario, God could have used one X chromosome from AK’s somatic cell and duplicated it to produce the two X chromosomes (XX) necessary to create a female organism, Havah.
Alternatively, we can envision that AK possessed both XY and XX chromosomes, and God took the XX chromosomes to create Havah. This implies that Adam originally had two sets of sex chromosomes. The process can be described as follows:
Initial State of AK: AK had 23 pairs of chromosomes, including two pairs of sex chromosomes, one male (XY) and one female (XX).
Extraction of Genetic Material: God took a part of AK’s body containing cells with a complete set of chromosomes, including both sets of sex chromosomes (XX and XY). The female sex chromosomes (XX) were extracted from AK’s cell. From these extracted XX chromosomes, a new organism, Havah, was created. AK retained the male sex chromosomes (XY), defining him as male. Havah, with a karyotype of 22 pairs of autosomes and XX sex chromosomes, was created as a female.
Summary: This process elucidates how two distinct beings, male and female, could be created from an androgynous entity using genetic material, aligning with current scientific understanding of chromosomes and genetics. AK’s karyotype was represented by 21 pairs of autosomes and two pairs of sex chromosomes.
From the perspective of modern genetics, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The hypothesis that AK had 21 pairs of autosomes and two pairs of sex chromosomes does not align with the standard human chromosome set. However, considering AK’s androgynous state with additional sex chromosomes, it is plausible to assume he had 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being a double sex chromosome (XX and XY). This suggests that AK could have had additional sex chromosomes.[1]
Divine Slumber and Sacred Secrecy
In the sacred narrative, the act of putting Adam Kadmon (AK) to sleep and closing the wound after the divine operation are profound symbols, rich with meaning. This divine intervention underscores the miraculous nature of the act, emphasizing that it is entirely under God’s control.
Avoidance of Pain: By putting AK to sleep, God spared him from pain, discomfort, and possible traumatic experiences, highlighting His care and compassion for His creation.
Physiological and Practical Interpretations: In the context of modern medicine, putting a patient to sleep before surgery is standard practice to prevent pain and involuntary movements that could interfere with the procedure. This can be seen as an ancient understanding of the need for anesthesia, a divine foresight into the principles of modern surgery.
Concealing the Process: By putting AK to sleep, God ensured that the details of the creation process remained hidden. AK would not remember the process, see its intricacies, or be able to pass on this sacred knowledge. Thus, the act of creation remains shrouded in mystery.
Preservation of Sacredness: The concealment of the creation details serves to preserve the sacredness of the act. It prevents curiosity and experimentation that could lead to attempts at replication or misuse of this divine knowledge. A full understanding of the process could be dangerous to untrained individuals and could be misused, violating the sanctity of creation.
In Jewish thought, the concealment of Havah’s creation details is supported by both theological and practical considerations. Putting AK to sleep and covering the wound emphasizes the wisdom and foresight in God’s actions, preserving the spiritual purity and sacredness of the act of creation.
Complete Restoration and Sacred Secrecy
The act of covering the surgical site with flesh symbolizes the completion of the creation process and the restoration of AK’s body’s integrity, emphasizing that AK remained whole and unharmed after Havah’s creation. This divine act of closing the wound and rebuilding AK’s body may have served to hide the physical evidence of the operation, ensuring that subsequent generations could not uncover and understand the details of the process, thus preventing curiosity and experimentation.
Symbolic Completion: The closing of the wound also signifies the completion of the creation process, returning AK’s body to a state of wholeness, which can be perceived as concealing divine intervention. If the process of creating Havah were known in detail, it could lead to attempts to replicate or study it. The concealment of these details prevents such attempts and preserves the uniqueness of the Divine act.
Emphasizing the Importance of the Act: These details also serve to highlight the significance and uniqueness of the act of creating Havah, demonstrating that it was a carefully thought-out and executed process. By hiding the creation process, the mystical and sacred nature of the event is preserved, making it special and inaccessible to human interference and curiosity.
Protection of Sacred Knowledge: These measures help to preserve the mystical and sacred character of the act of creation, emphasizing its uniqueness and divine origin. This interpretation adds another layer of understanding to the biblical narrative and underscores the wisdom and foresight in God’s actions.
Resonance with Jewish Thought: The suggestion that putting AK to sleep and closing the surgical site were measures to conceal the details of the creation process resonates with various aspects of Jewish thought. Numerous commentaries (midrashim) and interpretations (Pshat, Drash, Remez, and Sod) in Judaism address different facets of the biblical texts, including the creation of man. Here are some examples and analogies:
- Midrashic Interpretations: Midrashim often explore the deeper meanings and hidden aspects of biblical narratives, providing insights into the symbolic and mystical dimensions of the texts.
- Pshat (Literal Interpretation): This approach focuses on the straightforward, literal meaning of the text, emphasizing the direct actions and events described.
- Drash (Homiletic Interpretation): Drash delves into the moral and ethical lessons derived from the text, often using allegory and metaphor to convey deeper truths.
- Remez (Hinted Interpretation): Remez seeks out the hints and allusions within the text, uncovering connections and deeper meanings that are not immediately apparent.
- Sod (Mystical Interpretation): Sod explores the mystical and esoteric aspects of the text, often drawing on Kabbalistic teachings to reveal the hidden spiritual dimensions.
These interpretative approaches collectively enrich our understanding of the biblical narrative, highlighting the multifaceted wisdom and foresight in God’s actions.
Divine Secrecy and Sacred Knowledge
The Midrash Rabba offers extensive discussions on why God put Adam Kadmon (AK) to sleep. One commentary suggests that this divine slumber was necessary to avoid pain, which also included preventing AK from memorizing the creation process.
Talmudic Commentary: The Talmud and midrashic commentaries often delve into the intricacies of creation. Rabbinic authorities suggest that God acted covertly to preserve an element of Divine secrecy, ensuring that His methods and processes of creation remained hidden from human understanding.
Kabbalistic Interpretations: In the Kabbalistic tradition, it is believed that the details of Divine creation are concealed to preserve sacred knowledge and prevent its misuse. Kabbalists hold that a full understanding of Divine processes can be perilous for those unprepared for such profound knowledge.
Symbolism and Concealment in Jewish Tradition:
Concealment of Divine Knowledge: Jewish thought frequently emphasizes that God conceals certain aspects of His actions and designs to prevent humans from fully comprehending or exploiting this knowledge. This aligns with the idea that the process of creating Havah was hidden to deter further exploration and intervention.
Care for Spiritual Purity: Covering the surgical site symbolizes spiritual restoration and purity, resonating with the Jewish concept of preserving the holiness and mysticism of Divine actions.
Preventing Abuse: The suggestion that withholding details of the creation process may have prevented abuse is consistent with many Jewish texts that caution against the careless handling of divine knowledge.
These interpretations add another layer of understanding to the biblical narrative, highlighting the wisdom and foresight in God’s actions. The concealment of the creation process preserves the mystical and sacred nature of the event, emphasizing its uniqueness and divine origin.
Preserving the Sacred
Preserving the sacredness and mystery of divine actions is a central theme in Judaism. It underscores God’s unique role as the Creator and guardian of sacred knowledge. This divine secrecy emphasizes the sanctity and reverence due to God’s actions, ensuring that the mysteries of creation remain beyond human reach.
Divine Freedom and the Closed System
One crucial detail to note is that God, in His omnipotence, is free to create, transform, and shape as He wills. Yet, the narrative reveals a meticulous and complex operation to transform Adam Kadmon (AK) into ish and to construct Havah-ish from the material of AK-ish. This suggests a profound insight: the closed system that God created is not arbitrarily altered by Him. The world, in its foundational essence, remains constant and unchanging.
This closed system implies the existence of an inherent algorithm, a divine blueprint that humanity can strive to understand and follow. It offers a path towards enlightenment and a return to the source, guiding mankind towards harmony with the divine order. However, this same system also holds the potential for destruction, a path that is undoubtedly easier but fraught with peril.
The Unchanging Basis of Creation
The unchanging nature of the world created by God signifies that the divine algorithm is embedded within the fabric of existence. It is a testament to the stability and order of creation, a framework within which humanity can seek knowledge and wisdom. This divine algorithm is a beacon, guiding humanity towards a deeper understanding of the universe and its Creator.
The Dual Path
Humanity stands at a crossroads, with the choice to either align with the divine algorithm, moving towards enlightenment and unity with the source, or to deviate, risking the destruction of the delicate balance of creation. This duality highlights the responsibility bestowed upon mankind, to seek knowledge with reverence and to tread the path of righteousness.
Conclusion
The narrative of AK’s transformation and the creation of Havah is a profound allegory, rich with symbolism and meaning. It emphasizes the sacredness of divine actions, the unchanging nature of the created world, and the responsibility of humanity to seek understanding and harmony with the divine order. It is a reminder that while the path to enlightenment is challenging, it is the path that leads to true fulfillment and unity with the Creator.
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[1]. Bereshit 2:21-23 it says:
“And the Lord God put the man to a sound sleep; and when he had fallen asleep, he took one of his ribs and covered that place with flesh. And the Lord God made a wife out of the rib taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said to the man, “This is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh; she shall be called a wife (ish), because she is taken from her husband (ish).””
Hebrew:
“וַיַּפֵּל יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים תַּרְדֵּמָה עַל-הָאָדָם וַיִּישָׁן וַיִּקַּח אַחַַת מִצַּלְעֹתָיו וַיִּסְגֹּר בָּשָׂר תַּחְתֶּנָּה׃ וַיִּבֶן יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶת-הַצֵּלָע אֲשֶׁר-לָקַח מִן-הָאָדָם לְאִשָּׁה וַיְבִאֶהָ אֶל-הָאָדָם׃ וַיֹּאמֶר וַיֹּאמֶר הָאָדָם זֹאת הַפַּעַם עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמַי וּבָשָׂר מִבְּשָׂרִי לְזֹאת יִקָּרֵא אִשָּׁה כִִּי מֵאִישׁ לֻקֳחָה-זֹּאת׃””