The Hebrew language is often rich with ambiguities and double (or triple) meanings which cannot always be conveyed in English. One of the advantages of the English language is the wealth of words which fill our vocabulary. What is lost in translation from Hebrew to English, however, are the many nuances of meaning in the Hebrew, since the Hebrew language, which contains fewer words, requires its words to perform many duties.
Take, for instance, that “curse” in Genesis that Chava (or Eve—I dislike using the English name because it is related to the word “evil”; there are no such associations in Hebrew). In addition to saying that, because she tempted Adam to eat the fruit, she would have pain in labor, G-d also tells her that she will “do the will of her husband.” In English, this means simply to “obey,” and this translation has been responsible for the notion that a woman needs to do what her husband says. It is interesting how a simple translation can lead to centuries of subordination of women! The Hebrew word “osei” translation “to do” can also mean “to make” as well as to do. This can mean that a wife can “make” her husband’s will, which means that she could also have the upper hand. But this is hardly ideal, because it still implies inequality. The Lubavitcher Rebbe interpreted the ‘osei” as “to rectify or transform”, which creates a more balanced picture of what a wife’s role is, rather than painting her as a subordinate or a commander.
We all know marriages where the husband seems to be “in charge” and those in which the wife seems to hold the reins. Neither of these situations, is ideal. Chassidic philosophy explains that a woman uses her gentleness to inspire and to elevate the character traits of her husband and children, to guide with goodness. A softer nature is not weak and is not to be bullied. Neither should she be like a man and try to be “boss.” She should “osei” her husband’s will, to transform it into refined inspiration.