A Note to the Reader
This post uses allegorical language to convey profound lessons about HaShem’s (God’s) kindness and our relationship with Him. HaShem, who has no physical form or body, is described metaphorically—for example, “standing in a garden”—to help internalize these concepts emotionally and personally. Such expressions are not literal and should not be misunderstood as attributing human qualities to HaShem or confusing Him with Adam HaRishon. The allegories serve as tools to deepen our understanding and connection, not as descriptions of the divine essence.
A Understanding of Creation
HaShem, the Infinite One, is complete, lacking in nothing. HaShem’s perfection encompasses all qualities—kindness, wisdom, strength, and beauty—within absolute unity. But kindness, when it resides unexpressed, is like a flame contained within the lamp: it burns brightly, yet its light remains unseen. The act of creation was not born of need but of generosity. To manifest kindness in its fullest, HaShem willed to bestow existence upon beings who could perceive, receive, and ultimately reflect His divine light.
HaShem stands alone in a vast garden—a world of potentiality and perfection. But a garden without a gardener lacks fulfillment. HaShem recognizes that to truly express His essence, there must be another. Mankind is formed, not as an equal in essence but as a counterpart—a being distinct, yet rooted in the very fabric of HaShem’s being. This creation is not for HaShem’s benefit but for mankind’s elevation, that humanity might partner in the unfolding of divine purpose.
In this, mankind was created to be the recipient of divine kindness, not in passivity but through partnership. HaShem fashioned a world brimming with opportunity, challenge, and beauty so that humanity could actively engage in bringing the divine presence into the material world. We were not created simply to receive kindness but to become active participants in extending that kindness, transforming creation into a dwelling place for HaShem.
The Relationship Between HaShem and Humanity
The story also reveals a deeper purpose: relationship. HaShem desired a connection, not because He lacked it, but because the greatest kindness is allowing another to experience closeness with the Infinite. By creating humanity with free will, HaShem enabled us to choose this relationship, to walk alongside Him in the “garden” of the world, tending and cultivating it as co-creators.
Mankind’s distinctness from HaShem emphasizes the necessity of choice. A being identical to HaShem would simply mirror His essence without agency. In simple terms, this means that if humanity were exactly like HaShem, we wouldn’t have free will or the ability to make our own choices. We would just reflect HaShem’s perfection automatically, without the capacity to think, decide, or act independently.
Mankind represents autonomy (Agency)—our ability to choose—is what makes our relationship with HaShem meaningful and allows us to actively contribute to His creation. Humanity can choose to walk toward or away from HaShem. This choice is not a flaw but a gift, for in the choosing, humanity becomes a partner rather than a passive recipient.
The Role of Humanity and the Jewish People
The Jewish people represent a unique manifestation of this relationship. Chosen not as favorites but as a conduit for divine light, the Jewish nation serves as a “model mankind,” demonstrating what it means to live in covenant with HaShem. The Torah becomes the blueprint for this partnership, guiding humanity to elevate the mundane into the sacred.
The Jewish people’s role is to fulfill the task of tikkun—repairing and elevating the world so that the divine light concealed within creation can shine through. In this sense, humanity’s role is akin to mankind returning to HaShem—not in submission, but in unity. The reunion is not about diminishing mankind’s distinctness but about harmonizing it with HaShem’s essence, reflecting the ultimate unity of HaShem and His creation.
Why Did HaShem Create Us?
This teaches that HaShem created us not for His sake but for ours. He desired to share the boundless joy of existence with beings capable of appreciating it. Like HaShem giving mankind the freedom to explore the garden, He grants us autonomy, knowing that true love and relationship require choice.
Yet, even in our autonomy, HaShem remains ever-present, walking in the garden in the “cool of the day,” ready to meet us wherever we are. The ups and downs of human history, the moments of distance and closeness, are all part of the unfolding relationship—a dance between the Infinite and the finite.
The Deeper Mystery
The creation of humanity reveals a cosmic secret: HaShem desired that the finite and infinite meet. This is the ultimate paradox—HaShem, who is beyond limitation, chose to manifest within limitation. Through our actions, we reveal this truth, showing that even within the confines of the physical world, HaShem’s presence fills all.
Humanity’s creation is thus an act of divine generosity, a reflection of infinite love. It is the ultimate opportunity: to know the Creator, to walk with Him, and to transform existence into an eternal dwelling place for His presence. This is the story of HaShem and mankind, not a tale of failure but as the beginning of a divine romance—a partnership that continues to unfold through time and beyond.
Thank you Rabbi.