Parashat Bereishit: Adam's Family and the "Adams Family"

In the exploration of Parashat Bereishit, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik draws a fascinating parallel between the biblical Adam's family and the historical Adams family, particularly John and Abigail Adams. This comparison highlights the profound impact of the biblical narrative on the foundational principles of equality and morality that underpin the American Declaration of Independence. John Adams, in his reflections, emphasized the unique contribution of the Hebrews in civilizing humanity through the doctrine of a Supreme Creator, a concept that is pivotal to the Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal." This idea is rooted in the biblical account of creation, where humanity is made in the image of God, establishing a divine basis for equality.