עברית
Faith
Who Was the First Jew and Why?
Question
Were Adam and Eve Jews? Or perhaps Abraham was the first Jew? If so, what were Adam and Eve? I would appreciate a detailed explanation on the subject. Thank you.
Answer
To the honorable inquirer, Our father Abraham is considered the first Jew in terms of nationhood, as the Jewish people began with him (from the three patriarchs). The concept of a Jew refers to one who receives a unique soul that belongs only to Israel (as explained in the Tanya, chapter two). In fact, it is accepted among us that all those holy Jewish souls were already included within the soul of Adam HaRishon (men’s souls in Adam, and women’s souls in Eve). Therefore, Adam and Eve too had such souls. Only the term "Jew" is applied from the time the Jewish nation began, as stated above. With blessing, Rabbi Nachum
