B'tzelem Elohim
What does b’tzelem Elohim mean?
In God’s image.
What are two things God created on the first day?
Light and separated it from darkness.
What were the first words God spoke in Genesis 1?
“Let there be light.”
How many days did God spend creating the world?
Six days.
Name one word to describe God
everything
True or False: Only men were created in God’s image.
False.
True or False: Fish were created before land animals.
True.
True or False: Light and darkness were separated on the second day.
False (it was on the first day).
What did God do on the seventh day?
God rested.
How did creativity help in the creation story?
God had to be creative to come up with all seven days.
Name one way we can honor the b’tzelem Elohim in others.
Show kindness, respect, help them, etc
On which day were birds and sea creatures created?
The fifth day.
Why do you think God created light first?
to create order, to give energy, or to allow other creations to thrive.
What is the seventh day of rest called?
Shabbat
How did laziness help God in the creation story
It gave us Shabbat
How does being made in God’s image affect how we see ourselves?
It helps us see that we are valuable and have purpose.
What does the creation of plants and trees on the third day show about God’s plan for life?
God prepared the earth for all life, creating food and ecosystems.
What is the light God created on the first day often thought to symbolize?
Goodness, wisdom, or divine presence
Interpret “More than the Jewish People have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.”
traditions on Shabbat have kept Jewish pride and togetherness
Some people say we should hyphenate G-D because it is a sin erase his name: you can't erase G-D's name if you don't spell it out in the first place!
Others say that by never spelling God, we remember that G-D's nature is abstract, infinite, vast, and unknowable. That the greatness of G-D cannot be captured in language.
In what ways can b’tzelem Elohim change how we treat people who are different from us?
We treat them with respect and kindness, recognizing that everyone has value.
In Genesis 1, what is the significance of God calling creation “good”?
It shows that God’s creations have value, purpose, and reflect His goodness
How might light in Genesis 1 be different from the sun, created later on the fourth day?
It may symbolize a spiritual or universal light separate from physical light sources.
What does resting on the Sabbath teach us about the importance of rest?
It shows the value of taking time to pause, reflect, and appreciate life.
In Judaism, we often refer to G-D as Hashem, Adonai, or sometimes Yahweh....
Do you know any other names for G-D that come from other religious traditions?
Bonus Question: Do you think other religions are talking about the same God?
Brahman, Shiva — Hinduism, Allah— Islam etc...