In The Beginning (Genesis 1:1-6:8)

If the first few chapters of Genesis (the traditional Torah Portion "Bereshit") do not offer historical truths for the origins of the world or human knowledge, what “poetic truths” about the human condition may still resonate with modern readers? Presented by IISHJ Dean for North America Rabbi Adam Chalom at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation.
For more information about the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, visit www.iishj.org.

[@greglogan7706]

I really appreciate the comments as well as the instruction The comment "all stories are true - some of them actually happened" is marvellous! I am sure I will use in the future.

[@TNWoodwright1]

Before they ate from the tree how did they have any concept of good and bad. And where did death come from since the garden was pronounced good. And what did Adam and Eve know or understand of death

[@Pandaemoni]

24:54 I am not Jewish, but wonder in light of this comment, why are the "Patriarchs" so prominent and yet (as I understand it) "Jewishness" is considered to be passed through the maternal bloodline? I suppose the matter of blood would have come up (or at least been more prominent) during the diaspora and so it may be that that is a rabbinical tradition (and of course the identity of a mother is easier to discern than a father). Anyway, it was a very interesting presentation and discussion, so thanks for it.

[@marciafab7]

Hi! I think it's because God to Eve - she is the mother of the living. :)

[@emanovska]

The first chapter of Genesis sounds more like it was borrowed from Enuma Elish.

[@jonathankbentley]

“In ribero” 🤣