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Explanation of the Verse "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother"
Question
With G-d's help, greetings esteemed Rabbi, in rereading the Parashah of Bereshit a few days ago, I encountered a verse that I have become accustomed to reading without noting the significant puzzlement within it: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Of course, this offers guidance for all generations, but primarily the verse was written in the context of the creation of Adam and his wife Chavah. So, who are the parents of Adam that he is commanded to leave?
Thank you very much!
Answer
Greetings and blessings,
This verse speaks to all generations and does not refer specifically to Adam HaRishon. The verse states that since Adam HaRishon felt that the woman was a part of him, the logical conclusion for all generations is that every person shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife.
There are also interpretations that read it in a homiletic manner: "His father" represents intellect, and "his mother" represents emotion, indicating that one should not be concerned with intellectual arguments or incorrect emotions interpreting that ‘the woman is not suitable for me,’ but rather "and cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This message also applies to Adam HaRishon.
Best regards,
Menashe Ben Porat
