Genesis 1:16 - Sun and moon's divine purpose?

The Two Great Lights

The verse states, "וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים אֶת־שְׁנֵי הַמְּאֹרֹת הַגְּדֹלִים" ("And God made the two great lights"), yet later distinguishes between the "greater light" (the sun) and the "lesser light" (the moon). Rashi (Bereshit 1:16) addresses this apparent contradiction by citing the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 6:4), which explains that the sun and moon were originally created equal in size and radiance. However, the moon protested, saying, "אִי אֶפְשָׁר לִשְׁנֵי מְלָכִים שֶׁיִּשְׁתַּמְּשׁוּ בְּכֶתֶר אֶחָד" ("It is impossible for two kings to share one crown"). In response, Hashem diminished the moon's light, making it subordinate to the sun.

The Sun and Moon as Symbols

The Ramban (Bereshit 1:16) elaborates that the sun and moon represent different aspects of divine governance. The sun, as the "greater light," symbolizes the overt and constant providence of Hashem, while the moon, the "lesser light," reflects the hidden and fluctuating nature of divine intervention in the world. This duality mirrors the balance between גְּלוּי (revealed) and נִסְתָּר (concealed) miracles in Jewish history.

The Role of the Stars

The verse concludes with "וְאֵת הַכּוֹכָבִים" ("and the stars"). The Talmud (Chullin 60b) teaches that the stars were created alongside the moon to comfort it after its diminishment, illustrating Hashem's compassion even in judgment. Additionally, the Ibn Ezra notes that the stars, though seemingly insignificant compared to the sun and moon, serve a critical purpose in navigation and marking seasons, aligning with the Torah’s emphasis on functionality in creation.

Halachic and Calendar Implications

• The sun and moon establish the basis for the Jewish calendar, with the sun determining the solar year (for festivals like Pesach and Sukkot) and the moon dictating the months (Rambam, Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 1:1).
• The moon’s cycle symbolizes renewal, inspiring the mitzvah of קִדּוּשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ (sanctification of the new month) and the concept of spiritual rejuvenation (Shemot 12:2).