Adam's first choice was not about a tree or its fruit - it was about his name. He chose to understand Adam as a derivative of Adamah, the earth from which his body was formed. His first choice led him to name his mate, Ishah, woman, because she was derived from him, an Ish, or, man. A careful reading of the verses points to another reason for the name Adam; he was created to work the earth. His name was intended to reflect on his potential, his future, not on his past, or the place from which he was derived.

We too struggle to balance our pasts and our futures. Judaism offers us a rich past with which to build a magnificent future. The Foundation Stone seeks to strike a delicate balance between the past and futures, guiding people in appreciating the past, personal and religious, to empower them to seek futures not limited by past derivates.

Thank You,                                                                  

Rabbi Simcha L. Weinberg