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Value of a Good Foundation
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who
spreads forth the earth above the waters.
Although we are immeasurably insignificant in comparison to G-d, we
nevertheless possess the capability to serve Him. This, however, is only
because, in His kindness, G-d has revealed Himself within this world and through
the Torah indicating His desire to have a dwelling-place on this lowest of all
planes. He designed the Creation to give us a place to put our feet, a stage
from which to function. He has "spread the earth above the water."  | | " In this world, however, 'land' is above 'water'..." | | |
Eretz (meaning "earth" in Hebrew) is related to the word ratz
(meaning "run"); the Midrash teaches that the earth is so called because it
ran to do G-d's will. In this context, "earth" is a metaphor for action that
stems from choice. Water, on the other hand, flows from higher to lower levels
and symbolizes the "top down" revelation of G-dliness; this is related to doing
G-d's will automatically, since in the face of revelation there is no possibility
of non-compliance.
In the higher worlds "water", the unquestioning
fulfillment of the divine will, is above "earth", i.e. the fulfillment of the
divine will out of choice. In this world, however, "land" is above "water";
our sense of free choice is not overwhelmed by the illumination of constant
revelation. When we awaken each morning we should reflect upon the great favor
the Al-mighty has done for us by spreading the earth above the water,
thereby allowing us to serve Him willingly, and not merely as a matter of course.
For this reason King David proclaimed, "He spreads the earth above the waters,
for His kindness is everlasting" (Psalms 136).
Visitor Comments: 1
Anonymous, 9/12/2004
are our prayers derived from t
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