Take those verses that seem to hint at a divine “we.” The big one, of course, is Genesis 1:26: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Seems pretty clear-cut, right? A plurality. Multiple beings involved in creation.

But hold on. Is that really what it's saying?

Rabbi Yochanan, as quoted in The Wars of God, had a sharp response to those who used these verses to argue for multiple gods. He argued that the Torah itself, in the very same context, refutes that idea! After all, the very next verse says, "And God created man in His own image." Singular. Undeniable. The Sefer Mitzvot Gadol (Smag), as Rabbi Saadia Gaon cites, emphasizes this point, which will be further explored. It's like the Torah anticipates the question and immediately answers it.

Rashi, the great medieval commentator, echoes this sentiment. He explains that even when "heretics" – a term often used to refer to those with differing theological views – try to use these verses to support their claims of a plurality of gods, the context itself proves them wrong. The Torah is constantly reminding us of God's oneness.

Now, things get a bit… stranger. The Zohar, that mystical cornerstone of Kabbalah, offers a different perspective. It suggests that the phrase "Let us make man" does indeed refer to two entities. It gets even wilder: the Zohar, as mentioned earlier, interprets the phrase as the “mother” speaking to the “father,” proposing they create humanity. The “mother” then supposedly creates humankind, even without the “father’s” consent! I mentioned this previously in the name of Shvivi Negah.

Whoa.

This raises a thorny question, doesn’t it? If we interpret “Let us make man” as a collaboration (or even a disagreement!) between divine beings, aren't we playing right into the hands of those who believe in multiple gods, each acting according to their own will?

That's the tension, isn't it? How do we reconcile these verses that seem to suggest plurality with the fundamental Jewish belief in the absolute oneness of God, in echad? It's a question that demands careful thought, deep study, and maybe even a little bit of faith. It invites us to grapple with the mysteries of creation and the very nature of the divine. So, what do you think?