Notable Sources
All Sources
A
The Perfection of CreationTANAKH
The Perfection of Creation
TANAKH
The perfection and completeness of all creation are vividly emphasized in Genesis, particularly in the conclusion of the six days of creation. Here, God assesses everything that has been made and declares it "very good." This pivotal moment in Genesis 1:31 marks the culmination of God's creative work, affirming the absolute goodness and harmony of the entire created world.
The Mystical Power of 'That it was Good'KABBALAH
The Mystical Power of 'That it was Good'
KABBALAH
The mystical significance of the letter Tet in the phrase 'ki tov' (that it was good) is profound, as it is believed to protect against the destroying angel. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, delves into the esoteric meanings of the Torah, including the spiritual radiance associated with specific Hebrew letters.
The Necessity of DesiresREFERENCE
The Necessity of Desires
REFERENCE
The phrase 'very good' in the Torah is interpreted to include man's evil desires, which are seen as essential for human motivation and progress. The Jerusalem Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, through the teachings of Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani, offers a profound insight into the necessity of human desires for societal and personal development.
All Creations are GoodMUSAR
All Creations are Good
MUSAR
Even creatures that seem harmful or inconvenient, like snakes, scorpions, and mosquitoes, are considered 'very good' because they serve a purpose in the world. The 17th-century ethical and mystical work, Kav HaYashar, by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kaidanover, explores the idea that all creations are servants of the Holy One Blessed is He.
The Missing Declaration on the Second DayMIDRASH
The Missing Declaration on the Second Day
MIDRASH
The omission of a positive declaration on the second day of creation has puzzled scholars for centuries. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, a talmudic-era midrashic work on the book of Genesis, offers multiple rabbinic interpretations for this omission, reflecting the depth of Jewish exegetical tradition.
Divine Creation InsightsJEWISH THOUGHT
Divine Creation Insights
JEWISH THOUGHT
The Torah’s creation narrative omits the phrase 'It was good' on the second day but includes it twice on the third day, raising intriguing questions. Rabbi Isaac Arama, in his 15th-century work 'Akeidat Yitzchak,' delves into this anomaly to uncover deeper theological insights.
The Light of the RighteousTALMUD
The Light of the Righteous
TALMUD
The rabbis interpret the 'light' that God saw as 'good' in Genesis 1:4 as a reference to the future reward for the righteous. The Talmudic tractate Chagigah, from the early medieval period, delves into esoteric interpretations of biblical stories, including the creation narrative.
Seeing the Good in All ThingsKABBALAH
Seeing the Good in All Things
KABBALAH
Even the most challenging events in life, including troubles and sicknesses, are ultimately for the good. In his 13th-century Kabbalistic work, Sha'arei Orah, Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla explores the teachings of Nachum Ish Gamzu and Rabbi Akiva on faith and acceptance of divine will.
Finding Good in AdversityMUSAR
Finding Good in Adversity
MUSAR
Rejoicing in the face of troubles can transform apparent evils into good outcomes. The 15th-century ethical work, Orchot Tzadikim, teaches the importance of maintaining faith and joy even during adversity.
The Power of Positive DeedsCHASIDUT
The Power of Positive Deeds
CHASIDUT
God values positive deeds that stem from constructive attitudes and goodwill over identical actions originating from negative urges. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, an 18th-century Hasidic leader, offers profound spiritual insights and ethical teachings in his commentary on the Torah.
The Moral Order in the TorahCOMMENTARY
The Moral Order in the Torah
COMMENTARY
The moral order in the universe is reflected in the Torah, where good actions lead to good outcomes and harmful actions lead to harmful consequences. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' commentary on Genesis and Exodus explores the moral and literary structure of these books, particularly through the experiences of Joseph and the Israelites in Egypt.
A Sign of BeautyCOMMENTARY
A Sign of Beauty
COMMENTARY
Yocheved saw her son Moses as beautiful, which she took as a sign from the Creator. The 16th-century Italian rabbi and commentator Sforno interprets the word 'good' in the Torah as referring to physical beauty and an omen of an equally beautiful personality.
The Divine Perspective on CreationSECOND TEMPLE
The Divine Perspective on Creation
SECOND TEMPLE
Only the Creator, God, can perfectly see and understand the goodness of His creation. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, blends Jewish theology with Greek philosophy to explore the divine perspective on creation.
The Nature of Light and DarknessCOMMENTARY
The Nature of Light and Darkness
COMMENTARY
Radak explains that light is inherently good and visible, while darkness is merely the absence of light and cannot be described as good. In his commentary on Genesis 1:4, Radak, a medieval Jewish scholar, elaborates on the distinction and naming of light and darkness, emphasizing their roles within the same day.
Life's Divine BlueprintCOMMENTARY
Life's Divine Blueprint
COMMENTARY
The emergence of life on the third day of creation, particularly vegetation, is foundational to understanding the deliberate and ordered process of creation. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s commentary on Genesis 1:12 offers insights into the significance of plant life as the source and sustainer of all life.