“God gave more binah/insight to females than to males.”

The well established idea that Eve was built out of Adam’s rib is fake news and totally wrong. The word mistranslated as rib in the Greek Septuagint, actually means side (for example Ezekiel 41:5,11 or Exodus 26:26, 27, 35). Built seems to be a strange term to use, but the Hebrew word for side appears mostly (40 times) in the context of building a sacred altar or a structure. A wall or a corner, with only one side does not exist. A one-sided building cannot shelter anyone. Adam with only one side was not a full man. Thus, the Torah concludes, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

But as equal partners, one plus one is greater than two. Even a Biblical skeptic declares, “If two lie side by side, they keep each other warm; but how can one keep warm all alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11) This is why God says, “It is not good for a male to dwell alone. I will provide a helpmate partner for him.”

Genesis 2:18 says God made an ezer kenegdo (a Hebrew phrase meaning a helpmate opposite or against him) for Adam; but the word ezer connotes strength and is usually used in reference to God’s power to help (Psalms 33:20, 70:6, 115:9 and 146:5); so a better understanding of the term is that God created woman as a gift for males; she is to be a helpful force advising, guiding and when needed, restraining her partner.

Thus, the term ezer kenegdo was used to teach that when her husband was right, his wife would be there by his side to support him with her strength…. and when her husband was wrong, she would be there to face him down with her strength, to oppose or restrain him. As Talmud Niddah 45 states: “God gave more binah/insight to females than to males.”

For more insights and information on the real Torah view see pages 245-255 in my new book Which Religion Is Right For You? a Kuzari for the 21st century. Hadassa Word Press ISBN (978-620-2-45517-6) Amazon