Stepping out

In response to popular request, it is time to restart our "steps" program. I have suggested that perhaps the best words to use, would be those of Rabbenu, the guide to the perplexed, in his book the Moreh Nevuchim.

The general tenor of the steps, is to guide the soul through its natural progression, from relatively imprecise intuition and picture, to carefully focused abstract meaning, useful in exploring mada, as it manifests itself in creation either through observation or reading of Torah.

In outline, the process begins with "translation" identifying a resonant English word, that can serve a an opening step in the process. The resonance of a translation, lies in its ability to suggest luminous examples, rather than in formal precision.

With this in mind let us all read Rabbenu's first Chapter of MN- on the word צלם. I suggest R. Kapach's translation, the link to which is to be conveniently found in the new "resources" gadget on the side of the blog.

Please offer your resonant translation of the word צלם. A short explanation of your choice an example summary of the chapter and or question on it are all acceptable as well. The one thing I would advise, as anyone who knows this process can attest to, is to keep explanations of methodology and questions about it, to an absolute minimum.