Hope you’re having a great day.

One last thought before we start the “Garden of Eden” story.

Yesterday we discussed the Torah’s second description of the creation of man.

The story is introduced with a very interesting verse.

“On the day that G-d made earth end heaven.”

Earth and heaven?

That doesn’t sound right!

Almost anyone who speaks English can finish the first verse of the Torah.

“In the beginning G-d made…?

Heaven and Earth.”  Right.

So why does the Torah switch it here.  To earth and heaven?

… It’s a very important message.

The Torah starts with heaven and earth.

There’s no question.  The “heavens” are absolutely amazing.

Breathtaking.

The stars and the galaxies.  The solar systems.  And the planets.

It seems to stretch on to infinity.

And that was the first focus of the Torah.

But then something changed.

Human beings were created.

And from now on its earth and heaven.

Sure we should be fascinated by the “heavens.”

And should want to know more about them.

But where is “the action”?

Here on earth.

That’s where we were put for the challenges of life.

The rest of the Torah is all about life here on earth.

How we can become the best person.  And the best Jew.

… It’s interesting.

With all the advances in science, what do we know about 90% of the universe!

Nothing!

And maybe someday we’ll know more.

But in the meantime?

The Torah tells us 100% of what we need to know to make our lives meaningful.