Dedicated Lilui Nishmat R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel and Javayeer Z"tl
The Goodness of Man \ Pirkei Avot
"Rabbi Akiva said, 'Beloved is man, for he was created in HaShem's likeness'" (Pirkei Avot 3:18).
The attempts of the philosophers to define man, do not come close to the exalted attribute of the "likeness of HaShem" conferred upon man by the holy Torah.
Since man is created in the "likeness of HaShem," a person's grasp of his inherent goodness corresponds to one's consciousness of the exaltedness of HaShem, the Holy Creator. The more we are aware of HaShem's holiness and goodness, the more we are aware of the tremendous powers that lie within our soul!
When we grasp the unbounded holiness of HaShem, we begin to understand the significance of the verse, "You shall walk in His ways." The Talmud elucidates the verse, "Just as He is compassionate, so shall you be compassionate. Just as He is kind, so shall you be kind."
Yet, is it possible for finite man to emulate His infinite Creator?
Once the Torah reveals that man is created in the "likeness of HaShem," we realize that it is appropriate for man to emulate HaShem!
The recognition of man's true worth, and the love that HaShem expresses to us by revealing that we are "created in His likeness," empowers us with the spiritual encouragement to "walk in His ways."
(Based on Ohr HaZafon of Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel)
