Some tidbits of knowledge for your consumption:
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/jewfaq/human.htmIn the Image of GodThe Bible states that humanity was created in the image of God, but what does it mean to be created in the image of God?
Clearly, we are not created in the physical image of God, because Judaism steadfastly maintains that God is incorporeal and has no physical appearance. Maimonides points out that the Hebrew words translated as "image" and "likeness" in Genesis 1,27 do not refer to the physical form of a thing. The word for "image" in Genesis 1,27 is "tzelem", which refers to the nature or essence of a thing, as in Psalms 73,20, "you will despise their image (tzel'mam)". You despise a person's nature and not a person's physical appearance. The word for physical form, Maimonides explains, is "to'ar", as in Genesis 39,6, "and Joseph was beautiful of form (to'ar) and fair to look upon". Similarly, the word used for "likeness" is "demut", which is used to indicate a simile, not identity of form. For example, "He is like (dimyono) a lion" in Psalms 17,12 refers not to similar appearance, but to similar nature.
What is it in our nature that is God-like? Rashi explains that we are like God in that we have the ability to understand and discern. Maimonides elaborates that by using our intellect, we are able to perceive things without the use of our physical senses, an ability that makes us like God, who perceives without having physical senses.
http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/kahn/archives/vayikra66.htm.
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Elevating the worldThe Midrash Rabbah (Koheles 7:13) teaches that all of G'd's creation was created for the benefit of man. The Kabbalists point out that this does not only refer to the lower beings but even includes spiritual beings such as angels who are dependent on humans and were created to assist them in this world (see Nefesh Hachaim 1:10). Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto (Path of the Just Chapter 1) explains that when a person utilizes the world around him to achieve his purpose and serve G'd, he elevates the whole world around him to a higher level.
Beyond comprehensionThe world is made up of minerals, plants, animals and human beings. G'd not only created everything but constantly keeps every part of the world "alive". As it says (Nehemiah 9:6): "You are G'd … You made the Heavens and all their legions, the earth and everything upon it, the seas and everything in them and You keep them all alive." Even minerals consist of atoms and molecules that are constantly moving. The plants have the ability to grow and in many instances produce fruits. Animals have a more advanced existence, and function in many ways similar to humans. However, minerals, plants and animals were all created to serve humans and to assist us in achieving our purpose in life (see Talmud Kidushin 82a). It is beyond our comprehension to understand the purpose of each part of creation. We can only join King David as he expresses in amazement (Tehillim 104:24) "How abundant are Your works HASHEM, You made them all with wisdom. The earth is full of Your possessions."
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