Sanhedrin 38 - January 24, 24 Tevet

When the Jews were exiled under the rule of Tzidkiyahu, the verse states that God quickened the exile as God is righteous. Two interpretations are brought to explain what was righteous about this.  The Mishna has brought various explanations for why Adam was created alone. A braita is brought which repeats some of the explanations and brings others. Several braitot and statements of amoraim are brought to answer various questions about the creating of humans. Why did God create humans so that each one is different? Why was Adam created on Friday? From where was the earth taken to create Adam? What were the events that took place each hour of the day in which Adam was created? Why were there angels who thought that God shouldn't create humans? How great was Adam before he sinned and how was his greatness diminished after sinning? From where do we know that Adam spoke Aramaic? Some say that Adam was a heretic or worshipped idols.  Several verses are quoted which were used by heretics to question the rabbis' beliefs and responses are brought. Is it a good idea to engage in polemics or not?