Hope you’re having a great day.

Here’s something that may get lost in the “Adam and Eve” story.

… Clothing.

Not something we get very philosophical about.

When we get dressed in the morning, it’s much too early for deep thinking!

But in Judaism, clothing is very significant.  Has a spiritual purpose.

How do we know?

Well, who made the first pair of clothing?

G-d Himself!

“And G-d made Adam and his wife garments of skin and clothed them.”  (3:21)

When did G-d give them clothing?

After they sinned. 

Before that, they didn’t wear clothing.

… What’s the connection?

G-d had told them not to eat from the tree.

But it appealed to them.  It looked great. They desired it.

And they ate.

…There are creatures that are meant to do just that.

Do what they desire.  And ask no questions.

Animals.

They have no moral dilemmas.

An animal never struggles, “should I have that piece of pizza or not?”

And certainly not, “should I offer it to someone else who is hungry?”

Animals are programmed.

… But human beings are unique.

G-d tells us that are things we should do.  And things we should not do.

And there are things that are very attractive to us.  But wrong.

It’s up to us to choose to do the right thing.

… What did Adam and Eve do?

They followed their desires.  

… And since then human beings wear clothing.

We cover our body.

And what is uncovered?

Our face and our hands.

Two parts of us that are uniquely human.

Because the human personality shines through the face.

And with our hands?

We do things like writing.  Shaping things.

And giving a warm handshake!

Clothing reminds us that our humanity should dominate.

… It’s something we can think about as we look in the mirror in the morning.

Does clothing make the man?

No.  Our actions do.

But clothing can remind us that we are human!