The Midrash says that the angels complained about the
creation of man. Hashem, to prove man's greatness, brought all the animals
before the angels and asked them what they are each called. The angels were
unable to name them. Then He brought them to Adam who named each animal.
The simple understanding is that Adam correctly understood
each animal's characteristic and its purpose in this world and gave them a name
that captured their essence. Rav Yeruchom Levovitz, however, says that what
transpired was actually much deeper than merely a test of Adam HaRishonim's
wisdom. It was proof of man's greatness and mastery over the entire creation.
By naming the animal, Adam declared what the animal would be. Because Adam
called it a certain name that became its destiny and its future for all time.
The Midrash is reminding us that human beings are unique
among creatures in that we are not bound by fate and the laws of nature.
Through God-given abilities like free will we can overcome the natural course
of events to do better and be better.
Furthermore, continues the Midrash, Hashem asked Adam what
Hashem's name should be and Adam said the Shem of Adnut, i.e. Master, for
Hashem is our Master and the Master of the Universe. It is man who determines
even Hashem's role in this world. Hashem acts with us in accordance with the
way we relate to Him, with the name we give Him. If we relate to Hashem as our
Omnipotent Merciful Father, that is how He will treat us. If we don't relate to
Hashem as the all-powerful ruler of every detail in our lives but choose to
relate to the laws of nature, then Hashem will leave us to the whims of the
world and allow nature to run its course.
We generally assume that the name Adam comes from the fact
that man was created from the earth, Adamah. However, says Rav Yehonoson
Eibushitz, the name Adam is actually related to the phrase "Adameh L'Elyon",
I am compared to the Elevated (i.e. God)”.
A person is created B'Tzelem Elokim and is compared to Hashem Himself.
Even our comparison to Adama, the earth, can be understood with a positive spin. Just like the earth never disintegrates and
remains forever, similarly a person's neshama, soul, is eternal. The Maharal
offers another positive spin on the name Adam:
“However, man’s character is especially comparable to the
earth since the earth’s special characteristic is that of potential; through
it, all that comes from it springs into reality, such as plants, trees, and
everything else. Earth has the potential for all this. This, too, is the
characteristic of man. He is a potential whose perfection [exists only when
that potential] comes into reality. Therefore his name is fitting for him as he
is a partner to the earth whose uniqueness is to transform potentiality to
reality…”
As we read about the creation of humankind, let us wear the
title of “Adam” with pride, and live up to its potential.
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