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The explanation typically offered for the phrase cited above seems to contradict the reality of those times. Particularly during the generation of Enosh, the decadence of idol worship became the prevalent lifestyle. How can this be reconciled with “then began to call in the name of Hashem”? Rabbi Zvi H. Farber z.t.l. suggests a novel interpretation of this pasuk. He explains that when he emigrated to London, he was impressed by the public display of religious observance. The synagogues were named Machazikei Hadaas, Shomrei Shabbos; the butcher stores proudly displayed their adherence to kashrus, and so on. At first his…

The word “vayechulu” is usually translated as “were ended” or “were brought to perfection.” As the Ohr Ha’Chaim states, the root word vkf also signifies “to yearn.” When Hashem completed creation, He had to prevent His creatures from falling prey to the inertia which befalls every living being who lacks aspiration. He consequently imbued His creatures with a yearning, and quest for Divine Light. The term vkf expresses this yearning, which contains within it the ability to lose oneself entirely in spiritual thought. This longing represents an expression of the love crowning the work of creation. In citing the Ohr…