Bereishit - What Preceded the Creation


Before creating the universe, Hashem brought into existence seven concepts which are essential for the functioning of the world:

  1. Torah
  2. Teshuvah
  3. Gan Eden
  4. Gehinnom
  5. The Kisei Hakavod (Heavenly Throne of Glory)
  6. The Beit Hamikdash
  7. The name of Mashiach
Ways these seven particular creations are vital to mankind and therefore had to be conceived even prior to Creation:

  • The world was created solely for the purpose of learning Torah and fulfilling its dictates.
  • Teshuvah was conceived in order to maintain existence. A world without teshuvah would inevitably perish in the face of Hashem's judgment.
  • Gan Eden was conceived in order to insure a reward for the righteous.
  • Gehinnom was conceived in order to provide punishment for the wicked.
  • The Kisei Hakavod was conceived prior to the universe in order to manifest Hashem's Glory in the world.
  • The place where the Shechinah was to dwell permanently is the Beit Hamikdash. Therefore, the concept of the Beit Hamikdash was conceived as a condition for Creation.
  • The final goal of humanity is to attain the state of the days of Mashiach; therefore the name of Mashiach had to be formulated even before the world's inception.

Source: Midrash Says; Gemara Nedarim 39a

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