But unique to God's die is the mystery that not one human being resembles another. Each is endowed with its own individuality. Even the most powerful monarch can do no more than forge a die whose content never varies. This nugget of rabbinic theology profoundly expands the universalism inherent in the first chapter of Genesis. It puts forth a view of humanity as encompassing as its view of God.
Every human being is of ultimate worth, equal value and unique individuality.
Despite the destruction of the Temple, the loss of life and property and the ensuing despair, the Mishna did not excise from its statutes its identification with the rest of humanity. In an act of self-transcendence, Judaism tried to prevent national humiliation from compromising its theological universalism. And the validity of that defiant posture is now confirmed for us from the unexpected quarter of the genome project. Search Courses Receive the JTS Torah commentary and Shabbat candlelighting times sent to you weekly by e-mail. Click here to sign up for free membership.