In the beginning…

This week we begin reading the Torah from the beginning… again. As we do so, we realize with wonder that some things keep changing and developing all around us, which at times leaves us feeling in flux and unmoored; at the same time, some things stay the same and repeat themselves, helping to keep us grounded, rooted, and certain.

In the Torah’s creation story, day one has God setting up the framework for the rest of creation and for the living of life.  Two foundational phenomena created for this purpose are ‘time’ and ‘light.

Assuming that time always existed along with God, the new aspect of time created on day one was not time itself but rather the measure and marking of time – occasions, beginnings and ends, the passage of time.  This is introduced not only with the concepts of evening and morning, but also with the very first word of the Torah, B’reisheet, as an element of time – the ‘beginning!’ 

And then God creates light.  Much has been written in commentaries about this being a spiritual or mystical kind of light, as physical light isn’t introduced until day four with the creation of the large and small luminary bodies (sun, moon, stars, etc.)

I would offer the possibility that this mysterious light was created on the first day as part of the framework God is setting up for bringing mankind into existence and providing the subsequent life-long guidance necessary for the good and proper life.  This light will be the illuminator of the upright and decent path people will need to walk.  This eternal light will be there always, a constant bright beacon of goodness for us, helping to direct us as we traverse the complexities of living life.

With this premise, it is significant that after God creates this light of goodness, He separates and distinguishes light from the darkness. Understanding the darkness of evil will always exist, the best way to preserve life and its goodness is to ensure that we understand the difference between the two, that we keep them unmingled, that we always choose light over darkness, and that we never confuse the two or mistake one for the other.  The Hebrew prophet Yisha’yahu (Isaiah) later reminds us of this imperative, warning of the dire consequences of neglecting this essential and indispensable distinction: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20)

As we read B’reisheet this Shabbat, let us recognize, value, and be grateful for the brilliance of these Godly creations, let us hear and heed the guidance of Yisha’yahu as we consider all that is going on around us. 

‘And the people listened, and God saw that it was very good.  And it was evening, and it was morning…’

Rabbi Jonathan Pearl