Before creating the universe, Hashem brought into existence seven concepts which are essential for the functioning of the world:
- Torah
- Teshuvah
- Gan Eden
- Gehinnom
- The Kisei Hakavod (Heavenly Throne of Glory)
- The Beit Hamikdash
- 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
