Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'firmament' (רָקִיעַ) mentioned in Genesis 1:7?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the 'firmament' (רָקִיעַ) refers to the expanse or dome that G-d created on the second day of creation to separate the upper and lower waters. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 4:2) explains that this firmament was made from a thin, stretched-out substance like a sheet, forming a barrier between the celestial and earthly waters.
Q: Why did G-d separate the waters above and below the firmament?
A: The separation of waters teaches us about the order and structure G-d brought into creation. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this division was necessary to create distinct realms—the heavens and the earth—each with its own purpose. The waters above symbolize spiritual realms, while the waters below represent the physical world, showing that G-d structured creation with both physical and spiritual dimensions.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 1:7 about G-d's role in creation?
A: This verse highlights G-d's absolute power and wisdom in creating an orderly universe. The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) discusses how the firmament demonstrates G-d's precision in separating and organizing elements of creation. It teaches us that nothing in the world is random—everything has its designated place and purpose according to divine wisdom.
Q: Are the 'waters above the firmament' still present today?
A: Traditional Jewish sources, including Rashi and the Talmud (Taanit 9b), explain that the 'waters above the firmament' are still in place. They are the source of rain, which descends through openings in the firmament (as described in Bereishit Rabbah 4:4). This reflects the ongoing divine providence in sustaining the world through natural processes.
Q: How does Genesis 1:7 relate to the concept of separation (הבדלה) in Judaism?
A: The act of separating waters mirrors the Jewish value of making distinctions (הבדלה) between holy and mundane, such as Shabbat and weekdays or kosher and non-kosher. Just as G-d separated the waters for order, we are commanded to create spiritual order in our lives. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) emphasizes that recognizing divine distinctions leads to greater awareness of G-d's presence in the world.
The Creation of the Rakiah (Firmament)
The verse (Bereishit 1:7) describes the second day of creation, where Hashem forms the rakiah (firmament) to separate the upper and lower waters. Rashi explains that the term rakiah refers to a stretched-out expanse, like a canopy spread over the earth. This separation is foundational to the structure of the universe as we know it.
The Nature of the Upper and Lower Waters
According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 4:2), the "waters above the firmament" are the heavenly reservoirs from which rain descends, while the "waters below" are the seas and oceans. Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that the upper waters are in a spiritual or elevated state, whereas the lower waters are physical and tangible.
The Significance of Separation
The act of separation (havdalah) is a recurring theme in Creation. The Talmud (Chagigah 15a) teaches that the division between upper and lower waters reflects the distinction between spiritual and physical realms. This mirrors the later separation of light and darkness, and the division between holy and mundane.
Why No "Ki Tov" on the Second Day?
Notably, the phrase "וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי־טוֹב" ("And God saw that it was good") is absent on the second day. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 4:6) explains that since division implies potential conflict (as seen later with the Flood), the work was incomplete until the third day, when dry land emerged and harmony was achieved.