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The Perfection of Creation
TANAKH
The completeness and inherent goodness of creation as seen by God at the conclusion of the sixth day highlights the perfection and harmony of the world. The first chapter of Genesis, the opening book of the Torah, describes the six days of creation, culminating in God's declaration that everything He made was very good.
The Worlds Before Ours
MIDRASH
The idea that God created and destroyed multiple worlds before finding one that pleased Him offers a profound perspective on the nature of creation and divine satisfaction. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, explores this concept through Rabbi Abbahu's interpretation of the phrase 'God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.'
The Ultimate Good
KABBALAH
The Supreme Will's ultimate purpose is to bring the entire world to attain only good in the end, even if the means to accomplish this end involve evil. In his Kabbalistic work, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) explains how temporary suffering and evil are merely steps towards the ultimate revelation of God's enduring goodness.
The Good in Evil Desires
REFERENCE
The Jerusalem Talmud features Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani's teachings on human desires, which he paradoxically deems "very good." He argues that these desires drive crucial actions like building homes, marrying, raising children, and engaging in commerce, echoing the biblical notion that everything created by God was ultimately deemed "very good."
The Two Advisors Within Us
TALMUD
The rabbis attributed the human inclination to do good or evil to the two kidneys, with the right kidney advising good and the left advising evil. The Babylonian Talmud in tractate Berakhot discusses this dual nature of human inclination, supported by a verse from Ecclesiastes.
When Goodness Leads to Downfall
TALMUD
The excessive goodness bestowed by God led the generation of the flood to become haughty and sin, ultimately resulting in their punishment. The Talmudic tractate Sanhedrin discusses how the generation of the flood became arrogant due to their prosperity and security, leading them to reject God.
Transforming Intentions into Good
COMMENTARY
Despite potentially harmful human intentions, God's plan can ultimately turn these intentions into something good. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' essay on the Torah portion Vayechi delves into these themes using the story of Joseph and his brothers to illustrate divine providence and forgiveness.
Transformative Power of Absolute Good
JEWISH THOUGHT
Aligning human character with the absolute good can lead to a profound transformation of intellect, senses, and feelings. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook’s early 20th-century work, 'Orot,' delves into Jewish spirituality, Zionism, and the relationship between the divine and human character.
Measure for Measure
MISHNAH
The principle of measure-for-measure reward for good deeds is vividly illustrated through the lives of Miriam, Joseph, and Moses, showing that even God participates in the burial of the righteous. The Mishnah, a foundational text of Jewish oral tradition from around 200 CE, emphasizes the concept of divine reward and punishment through the principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah).
Prayers for Eternal Good
CHASIDUT
The ultimate purpose of creation is for the good of humanity, allowing us to fulfill our true destiny and achieve eternal good through our labor in this world. Rabbi Nathan of Breslov’s prayers in Likutei Tefilot are deeply personal supplications that reflect the teachings of his mentor, Rebbe Nachman, emphasizing the importance of individualized prayer and spiritual reflection.
The Exceptional Birth of Moses
COMMENTARY
Ibn Ezra’s interpretation of the word 'tov' (good) in relation to Moses' birth suggests that Moses was exceptional from birth. The 12th-century commentator Ibn Ezra offers a linguistic and philosophical analysis of the term 'tov' in the context of Moses' birth.
The Power of Small Acts of Kindness
MUSAR
Acknowledging and appreciating even the smallest acts of kindness can transform your relationships and your life. The medieval ethical work Orchot Chaim L'HaRosh by Rabbi Asher ben Yechiel offers practical and moral guidance for daily living, emphasizing gratitude and humility.
Seeing Good in Life
TARGUM
To see good in one's life, one must enjoy the fruits of their labor, avoid oppression, adhere to the law, and show compassion to the poor. The Aramaic Targum to Ecclesiastes, an ancient translation and interpretation, emphasizes ethical living and compassion.
The Moral Obligation to Do Good
TANAKH
When you have the ability to help someone in need, it is a moral obligation to do so. The book of Proverbs, part of the Hebrew Bible, offers wisdom and guidance on living a righteous life, including the importance of performing good deeds.
The Beloved Moshe
SECOND TEMPLE
Moshe (Moses) is remembered fondly by both God and man, highlighting his beloved nature. Ben Sira, a second-century BCE work of Jewish wisdom literature, praises historical figures like Moses.
David's Relationship with God
LITURGY
King David's direct communion with God illustrates God's greatness, glory, goodness, and wisdom as manifest in the creation of the world. This Psalm, recited during the Mincha service on Shabbat and Yom Tov, highlights themes of gratitude and reverence toward God's creation.
A Land of Abundance
GUIDES
The land of Israel is described as a place of abundance and richness, filled with natural resources and blessings. In Deuteronomy 8:7-10, the Torah emphasizes the gratitude owed for the land's bounty, a theme central to Jewish prayers and blessings.
The Universal Goodness of the LORD
TANAKH
The universal goodness and mercy of the LORD extend to all of His creations, emphasizing His all-encompassing benevolence. The Book of Psalms, an anthology of 150 poems, includes expressions of praise, lament, and gratitude, and is central to Jewish liturgy and prayer.
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