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Woman and Forbidden Fruit |
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The sin of the Etz HaDa.at, the Tree of Knowledge is one of the most perplexing episodes in the Torah.
By Chana Weisberg, THE JEWISH PRESS
Insight into the story sheds light on women.s unique qualities and role in the process of redemption.
After Adams creation, G-d placed him in the Garden of Eden. Man was permitted to partake in all the delicacies except for one food, .From the Tree of Knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat, for on the day you eat of it, you will become deserving of death. (Gen. 2:17).
The prohibition of eating from the Etz HaDa.at and the consequence of death upon its violation was intimated for Adam, Chava and their descendants. Although Adam relayed this prohibition to Chava, she became confused with the directive, which then set the tone for the entire sinful episode.
The cunning serpent that was the embodiment of the evil Satan, asked Chava whether G-d had forbidden her from eating from any trees in the garden.
Chava answered, .Of the fruit of any tree in the garden we may eat, just of the fruit of the tree which is in the center of the garden, G-d said .You should neither eat of it nor touch it, lest you die.. (Gen. 3:2-3).
Chava added the prohibition of touching the Tree of Knowledge. When the serpent then forcibly pushed Chava against the tree, he victoriously claimed, .See, just as death did not ensue from touching, so it will not follow from eating..
Through his beguiling words, the serpent introduced doubt into Chava.s mind. It now became easier to dare Chava to taste the forbidden fruit. He convinced her that G-d did not actually intend to kill her and Adam, but merely threatened them to intimidate them.
The serpent enticed Chava by predicting beneficial outcomes. .Your eyes will be opened... The fruit will awaken a new desire and appreciation for the pleasures around you. It will be a source of intellectual benefit..
Chava longed for this new knowledge and exciting awakening and ate the forbidden fruit. She then used her persuasive powers to convince her husband to eat the forbidden fruit.
Chava.s downfall began when she expanded and distorted G-d.s command, which she did not personally hear.
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(Excerpted from Tending the Garden by Chana Weisberg)
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