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Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 3:14

 

משנה מסכת אבות ג:יד

Original Text:

הוא היה אומר חביב אדם שנברא בצלם חבה יתירה נודעת לו שנברא בצלם שנאמר (בראשית ט) בצלם אלהים עשה את האדם חביבין ישראל שנקראו בנים למקום חבה יתירה נודעת להם שנקראו בנים למקום שנאמר (דברים י"ד) בנים אתם לה' אלהיכם חביבין ישראל שניתן להם כלי חמדה חבה יתירה נודעת להם שניתן להם כלי חמדה שבו נברא העולם שנאמר (משלי ד) כי לקח טוב נתתי לכם תורתי אל תעזובו:

Translation:

Beloved is all humankind for they were made b'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God). Doubly beloved are they, for they were told that they were made in the image of God. As it says: "In the image of God was humanity made." (Genesis 9:6) Beloved is Israel for they are called God's children. Doubly beloved are they, for they were told that they were God's children. As it says: "You are the children of the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 14:1) [Translation by Hillel and Panim]

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between “beloved” and “doubly beloved?”
2. What is the relationship between all people and the Jewish people?
3. What is the practical significance of being made in the image of God? What is the practical significance of being the children of God?
4. What is the significance of being told that this is what we are? What claims does that make on our lives and our spirits?

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Related Sourcesheets:Women's Fundamental Human Dignity and Equality

Submitted By

HillelandPanim

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