Dear Rabbi Joshua,

I’ve always been curious about how, if Adam and Eve were the first humans, people ended up looking so different from each other. How did we get multiple races from a single pair of humans?

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

Understanding Human Diversity: A Biblical and Scientific Perspective

Dear Elizabeth,

Your question touches on a fundamental and intriguing aspect of human existence. The diversity of the human race, with its rich variety of appearances and cultures, is indeed a subject that invites both spiritual and scientific contemplation.

The Biblical Perspective on Human Diversity

In the Torah, Adam and Eve are presented as the progenitors of the human race. The narrative in Bereishit (Genesis) doesn’t explicitly address the development of different races or ethnicities. From a spiritual perspective, this can be seen as an expression of the unity and singularity of humanity, with all people stemming from a common source. The focus is on the shared aspects of human nature and the universal aspects of human experience.

The Scientific Explanation for Physical Diversity

From a scientific standpoint, the variety in human appearance is understood through the lens of genetics and evolution. Over thousands of years, as human populations migrated and settled in different parts of the world, they adapted to various environmental conditions. This adaptation led to changes in physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture. Genetic variation and natural selection played key roles in this process, leading to the rich tapestry of human diversity we see today.

These genetic variations, however, are superficial in the grand scheme of human genetics. The genetic differences between races are minimal; humans are more genetically similar to each other than many other species are within their own species. This underscores a profound truth: beneath the superficial differences in appearance, all humans share a deep, intrinsic connection.

Harmonizing Biblical and Scientific Views

One can appreciate both the biblical narrative and the scientific explanation without conflict. The Torah provides a spiritual and moral foundation, teaching us about our inherent connection and responsibility to each other as descendants of a common ancestor. Science offers an understanding of the physical and historical development of our species. Together, these perspectives can enrich our appreciation for human diversity and deepen our sense of kinship and shared destiny.

In conclusion, whether viewed through the lens of faith or science, the diversity of the human race is a testament to the richness and complexity of creation. It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the wondrous variety inherent in the tapestry of life.

May your exploration of these questions continue to bring insight and understanding.

Shalom,

Rabbi Joshua

Question on the Acceptance of the New Testament by Jews

Email from Elizabeth Martin: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, I understand that the New Testament is a Christian text, but given that Jesus and his disciples were Jewish, do Jews believe in the New Testament in any way?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Elizabeth, you’ve asked a thoughtful question that addresses the relationship between Judaism and Christian texts. Let’s explore this topic.

Judaism and the New Testament

Judaism does not consider the New Testament to be a religious text. The New Testament represents the writings central to the Christian faith, detailing the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian church. Since Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or divine, the New Testament does not hold religious authority in Judaism.

The Jewish Bible and Jewish Faith

The Jewish Bible, known as the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, Prophets, and Writings, is the canonical collection of Jewish texts. Jewish religious life, practice, and belief are based on these texts, along with rabbinic commentaries and writings such as the Talmud.

Historical Context and Jewish Tradition

While Jesus and his early followers were Jewish and operated within a Jewish context, their teachings as recorded in the New Testament reflect the emergence of a new, distinct faith tradition that would become Christianity. This divergence in belief is why the New Testament is not part of Jewish religious teachings.

Interfaith Respect and Understanding

Despite this, there is respect within Judaism for the sacred texts of other faiths, including the New Testament. Interfaith dialogue often involves discussing these differences in belief with respect and mutual understanding.

Conclusion

Elizabeth, while Jews recognize the New Testament as an important text in Christianity, it is not part of Jewish religious belief or practice. The core of Jewish teaching remains rooted in the Tanakh and the rabbinic tradition that interprets these scriptures.

If you have any more questions or wish to learn about the Jewish faith and its texts, please feel free to reach out.

Kind regards,

Rabbi Joshua