The Torah begins with the creation of the world. Although the narrative itself is incomprehensible to the human mind, as the human being cannot imagine anything preceding time and space, the Rabbis nonetheless explain that there are practical lessons to be learned from the various parts of creation.
G-d created the world in stages, beginning with light and darkness on the first day. On the second day the heavens were created, and the seas, dry land, and vegetation were created on the third. On the fourth day the sun, moon and stars were placed in the sky, and the fish and birds were created on the fifth day. On the sixth day, the animals and the human being were created. On the seventh day, Shabbos, G-d created “rest.”
Although G-d could have created everything in one day, He stretched it out over a week. The lesson in this is that we cannot hope to achieve everything, or even to develop our own character, at one time. It took G-d time to create the Universe, and man too can only build and accomplish in small increments. We must not become disillusioned when things don’t always work right away. Some commentators explain the passage, “G-d said, 'Let Us make man' ” to mean that building man is a process involving both G-d and the person himself.
There was a very clearly defined order to Creation, everything emerging in its own special time. This was to make us realize that there is a plan and a purpose to the world. The world itself is not the goal, with nature running its own course. Every blade of grass, every star, and every insect serve a unique role in the overall scheme of the Universe. The inanimate part of Creation, such as the earth, water, and sun, fulfills its purpose by giving life to vegetation, which in turn gives life to the animal kingdom. The animal in turn serves the human being, the ultimate creature, allowing him to achieve spiritual fulfillment by serving G-d, the raison d’être of all Creation.
This is also the reason why the human being was originally created without a mate, unlike the lower forms of life that were all created in pairs. G-d wanted Adam to feel unfulfilled, that he needed a partner to help him achieve his spiritual fulfillment. Marriage reminds us of our constant responsibilities towards others, and that we cannot achieve satisfaction thinking only of ourselves.
“...G-d saw all that He created and behold it was very good....” (Gen. 1:31)
Rav Elazar Shach engaged a well known cardiologist in conversation. “How recently did you purchase your car?” the Rosh Yeshiva inquired.
“This year,” the doctor replied.”
“What was wrong with the old car?”
“Nothing,” he replied, “I get a newer model every few years. They’re always coming out with newer improved models.”
“When do you think the improvements will finally be completed?” Rav Shach asked.
The doctor smiled. “They’ll never end. Man is always making greater improvements.”
“Tell me: if you could improve on the human heart, what would you do?”
The doctor thought for a few minutes and said, “I really don’t think I would change anything. The heart is most amazing just the way it is.”
“Aha!” exclaimed the Rosh Yeshiva, “That is the difference between G-d’s works and man’s works. G-d’s works are perfect, while man’s works are by their very definition imperfect, and must constantly be improved.”
Did You Know...
It is prohibited to eat any form of insect. Certain fruits and vegetables, and especially during certain seasons, are known to have infestation problems.
Although in Jewish law non-kosher food generally loses its identity in a mixture containing sixty times the volume of the prohibited food, this often will not apply to insects, since a complete creature never loses its identity. In certain instances of frozen, chopped, vegetables, the law of losing the identity may apply.
Some fruits and vegetables may be washed and checked carefully for infestation, while others may be too difficult to check. Rabbinic guidance should be sought for preparing specific foods.
