1)

Why does the Torah use the word "va'Yiven" regarding the creation of woman?

1.

Rosh: Hashem understood (Heivin) the mindset of woman, and created her from a modest place, and not from the legs, hands, mouth, head, eyes or neck lest she use these limbs improperly. Even so, we find that they sinned with them (Leah, Rachel, Miriam, Benos Tziyon respectively).

2.

Rashi: Hashem constructed her like a building (Binyan), wide below and narrow above, to facilitate carrying a baby. 1

3.

Maharal #1 (Chidushei Agados, Vol. 4, p. 164-165, to Nidah 45b): The Gemara interprets "va'Yiven" as stemming from the word 'Binah' - understanding, for women are blessed with extra Binah. Maharal explains that male intelligence is detached from the physical, whereas feminine wisdom grasps these matters. 2 In worldly matters, or matters relating to the home, a husband should defer to his wife. 3

4.

Maharal #2 (ibid.): Feminine wisdom is alluded to with this word "va'Yiven," because she was granted Binah due to her role in completing the Binyan [of man]. Male intelligence, in contrast, is more abstract.

5.

Maharal #3 (ibid.): Another interpretation in the Gemara is that Hashem braided Chavah's hair before bringing her to Adam; braiding is a type of building. 4 Conceptually, braiding represents setting limits, to prevent scattering in all directions. This reflects a woman's role; she completes her husband and serves as a protective wall around him. 5


1

Gur Aryeh: The Torah uses the term "va'Yiven," "Hashem built," only here regarding the creation of woman, and not at man's creation. Rashi explains why this is so.

2

To describe feminine wisdom, Maharal uses the term "Sechel Hiyul'ani," loosely translated as "concerning raw material." [Ramban (to 1:3) uses the same term "Hiyuli" to describe the initial matter created by Hashem, from which He subsequently fashioned everything else.] Also see Maharal (Chidushei Agados, Vol. 2, to Sotah 21b).

3

Bava Metzia 59a.

4

This Pasuk is cited as a source that braiding hair is forbidden on Shabbos (Shabbos 95a). (CS)

5

Yevamos 62b.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

2)

Rashi writes: "Hashem built the facet... 'L'Ishah' - ... to be a woman." What is Rashi telling us?

1.

Gur Aryeh: We should not translate as, 'he built... for a woman,' but rather, "He fashioned the facet itself, to be a woman."

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