We don’t see this because we look at the world in its physical form and see a static existence. Matter exists. A solid piece of wood is unmoving and inert. However, if you were to ask a scientist about that seemingly solid piece of wood, he would tell you it is actually comprised of electrons spinning around in constant motion. There is far more to it than meets the eye.
So too the spiritual dimension of existence is in constant flux, ever changing. For its continued existence, it requires man’s input. His actions and decisions fuel the spiritual state of existence, and therefore the physical as well.
Man As Partner in Creation
Hashem is the Creator and Maintainer of the world. The entire cosmos is dependent upon Him. Hashem put man in the center of Creation and made the world dependent on him. If we were fully attuned to the Torah’s view of man, we would see him as the maintainer of physicality. In that sense, he is almost like a little creator – the world depends on him for its existence.
This is what Rashi is adding with his mashol. If one truly understood the basis of the universe, he would see that man is far greater than even a replica or representation of Hashem. Man is so great that he could almost be mistaken for a creator.
The Torah is teaching us to view man in a very different light. We should look at man and gasp, “That is a man! Man is created in the image of Hashem! How much honor and accord is due to that great person!” Obviously, this concept will greatly affect the way we treat others. But just as significantly, it will impact the way we view our own potential and how much we should come to expect from ourselves.
To view Rabbi Shafier’s parsha video click here.