Creation – Breathing Room

Day 2 (Genesis 1:6-8): The Waters of Strife & Division

On the second day, G-d spoke the firmament into existence. He separated between the waters beneath and above the firmament. This separation brought into actuality, the atmosphere of the earth, and the point where space begins. Although, Ramban contends that the separation was between the spiritual domain and the material existence of the Universe. This rendering would denote the difference between Heaven, in the sense of a spiritual realm, and earth, akin to malchus – where G-d’s Presence can be found by way of His quality of immanence.

Unfortunately, many today in the world, have no concept of the heavenly as a spiritual dimension, except to a vague degree, nor, are some able to see beyond the material, acknowledging the spiritual. This unfortunate state of affairs has given rise to greater materialism, as well as doctrines that promote the advance of materialism. Hence, we here an emphasis on equity, to the exclusion of divinity, human rights, instead of human responsibilities to both G-d and man. Ask not what is due to you; rather, ask what you can contribute to the betterment of the world, in tandem with G-d’s design and divine plan.

Furthermore, in regard to the separation of the waters, Rashi comments that this division symbolized strife; and, for this reason, the second day was not referred to as “good.” Therefore, a parallel can be drawn to the disvalue of strife, as opposed to the inherent value of unity. As applied to a modern day context, it can be understood that a separation between spiritual and material is problematic, in that both were meant to complement each other. The phrase, “heaven and earth” epitomizes this complemental relationship between the spiritual and material realms. To deny the spiritual realm in favor of the material leads to imbalance, and visa versa as well. The incorporation of the two leads to the fundamental aspects of our nature being acknowledged, so that harmony can prevail within and without.

Without this recognition of the two components of our being human, we will be left bereft of the purpose for which we were created. Our individual purpose in life must be guided by the soul, not dictated by the material demands and inclination of the body. The earth serves to remind us of the essence of the Creator; yet, if taken advantage of solely for the sake of the use of natural resources, we lose the sense of awe and wonder that is available to us while gazing on a sunset, or viewing majestic snow-capped mountains.

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabbath of solemn rest to H’Shem.” – Exodus 35:2, JPS 1917 Tanach

Before giving the commandment to the Children of Israel, concerning the terumah (offerings) that are to be brought (silver, gold, and various materials for the building of the Mishkan, a free will offering from the heart of each and every individual), the L-RD instructs Moshe to remind the B’nei Yisrael about Shabbat.

The juxtaposition of the commandment to observe Shabbos, with the commandment, concerning the construction of the Mishkan is significant. As holy as the project of the Mishkan is, the building of the Mishkan does not supersede the sanctity (holiness) of Shabbos; therefore, even work on the Mishkan was prohibited on the Sabbath.

Additionally, the Shabbos points toward acknowledgment of the L-RD, Who created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, belief in the L-RD is primary; and, perhaps, by implication, an imperative that can help us more fully appreciate the Day of Rest.

This is akin to the first commandment encompassing the belief in L-RD as a prerequisite to receive the commandments as divinely inspired. That is the essence of what is truly necessary: first, a belief in the existence of G-d; then, a desire to draw near to Him through our avodah (service).

Our primary avodah (service) today is the prayer of the heart. We can quietly connect to G-d, even within the depths of our heart, alone, or even in the company of others, with our own personal silent words, a private communique to G-d. If you have not placed your trust in a transcendent G-d, who sits in Seventh Heaven, yet, can still hear our whispered prayers, then, perhaps, if you feel inspired, you may call out to him. He is a great listener, and Counselor.

The Sabbath is a testament to G-d, Who created the heavens and the earth. Consider that without acknowledging Him as Creator, there are only a few possibilities in rendering the phenomenon of Creation itself as an actual reality that came into being at a specific point in time (the Big Bang Theory acknowledges that the Universe had a beginning). So, existentially, if you consider your existence, and everything around you, consider that we are not the result of random fluctuations in the Universe, or random mutations of DNA.

How is it possible to know this? Through your own individual experience of the world. As is written, “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained…” (Psalm 8:3) “The heavens declare the glory of G-d; and the firmament sheweth His handywork” (Psalm 19:1). “His invisible attributes—His eternal power and His divine nature—have been clearly seen ever since the creation of the world, being understood through the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20, TLV).

If re recognize “the natural world,” only as “nature,” then we are missing out on connecting to the true essence of nature as G-d’s Creation. Just as He created the world, His Spiritual Presence still upholds the world. He is the Beauty within a sunset, the glorious colors that paint the clouds at sunrise, and the Majesty of the mountains. Everything points toward Him, if we only look upon the world with the eyes of understanding, granted to our intellect when we place our faith in Him.