Midrash: Derech Eretz (culture) preceded the Torah by 26 generations. As it says “לשמור דרך עץ חיים”. דרך refers to דרך ארץ (culture) – עץ חיים refers to תורה. First דרך ארץ and then תורה. The fig leaf and apron are the beginning of culture. They represent culture that is subordinated to morality. There is … Continue reading Beraishis 3O Culture