B"H

Friday, Tishrei 26, 5780 / October 25, 2019

This Shabbat we begin the Torah reading from the beginning, with the reading of Parshat Breishis. This Parsha begins with creation and spans a period of 1000 years; from the beginning of creation until the birth of Noah who built the Ark and survived the great Flood.

Q.  The Torah tells us that Adam and Eve were created last, on the sixth day of creation.  What is the lesson in this for us?

A.  Our sages tell us that we can view this from two different perspectives.  On the positive side, G-d made everything ready for Adam and Eve, as one would prepare everything on the table before the king enters.  On the other hand it can be viewed that everything else had preference in creation.

Both are true, say our sages.  It all depends on the person.  If one fulfills her or his G-dly mission in this world then it is as if G-d prepared everything beforehand so they can find everything ready for them.  However, if a person does not accomplish their purpose of creation, G-d says, "even the smallest of insects comes before you."

The Midrash tells the following story: The Roman Emperor Hadrian once asked the Talmudic sage Rabbi Yehoshua, "You claim that G-d is the creator and master of the universe.  If that is true, why doesn't He reveal Himself to us at least a few times during the year so that we can all see Him?"

Rabbi Yehoshua replied, "G-d tells us in the Torah (Exodus 33:20), 'No man can see Me and live.'" 

But Hadrian persisted, "If your claim that there is a G-d is true, I want you to show Him to me!"

Rabbi Yehoshua had no choice.  He agreed to fulfill the Emperor's wish.

At noon, Rabbi Yehoshua returned to the palace and asked the Emperor to come out to the courtyard, where he will show Hadrian the Master of the Universe.  When the two men stepped outside, Rabbi Yehoshua said to Hadrian, "Now look straight up into the sun and you will see G-d!"

"Why, this is impossible!  No one can stare at the blazing sun without becoming blind," exclaimed Hadrian.

"You have answered your own question!" exclaimed Rabbi Yehoshua.  "If, at the sun, which is only G-d's creation, you cannot look due to its great light, how can you even conceive of seeing G-d Himself whose light is infinitely greater than the glare of the sun!"

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:34 / Shabbat ends: 6:36