Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that God saw the light was good?
A: Rashi explains that God saw the light was 'good' because it was fitting and beneficial for the world. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) adds that this light was a special spiritual light, different from the sunlight created later, which was hidden for the righteous in the World to Come.
Q: Why did God separate the light from the darkness?
A: The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed) teaches that separation is a fundamental principle in creation—distinguishing between different elements for order and purpose. The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) states that this separation allowed for the cycle of day and night, which is essential for timekeeping and human activity.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about God's creation?
A: This verse teaches that God intentionally designed the world with order and purpose. The Sforno notes that the separation of light and darkness shows that opposites have distinct roles in creation. This reminds us to recognize and appreciate the divine wisdom in the natural world.
Q: How does the concept of light and darkness apply to our lives today?
A: Jewish tradition often uses 'light' as a metaphor for Torah, wisdom, and goodness, while 'darkness' represents ignorance or evil. The verse reminds us to strive for spiritual clarity and separate ourselves from negative influences, as emphasized in Proverbs 4:18-19 and the teachings of the Maharal.
Q: Was the 'light' in this verse the same as sunlight?
A: No, according to Rashi and the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 3:6), this was a unique, primordial light that existed before the sun was created on the fourth day. This light was of a higher spiritual quality, and it was stored away for the righteous in the future as mentioned in the Talmud (Chagigah 12a).
The Goodness of Light
The verse states, "And God saw the light, that it was good" (Bereshit 1:4). Rashi explains that the term "כי־טוב" (that it was good) indicates that the light was fitting and beneficial for the world. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 3:6) elaborates that this primordial light was of such intense spiritual quality that it could have illuminated the world from one end to the other for all time. However, due to the future corruption of humanity, God concealed this light for the righteous in the World to Come (Olam HaBa).
The Division Between Light and Darkness
The verse continues, "and God divided the light from the darkness". Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) interprets this division as an act of establishing order in creation, ensuring that light and darkness serve distinct purposes rather than intermingling chaotically. The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) teaches that this separation was not merely physical but also metaphysical—light represents divine revelation (אור הגנוז, the hidden light of Torah), while darkness symbolizes concealment and the yetzer hara (evil inclination).
Spiritual Implications
The Zohar (1:31b) associates this light with the hidden light of Torah, which guides the soul. The Vilna Gaon (Aderet Eliyahu) notes that the separation teaches humanity to emulate God by distinguishing between kedushah (holiness) and tumah (impurity), truth and falsehood. This concept is foundational to mitzvot like separating challah, kosher laws, and moral choices.