Partners in Creation

In this week’s Parsha, Hashem creates the world in six days and then rests on the seventh. He blesses the seventh day, and in describing this rest from Creation, He uses the expression “that G-d created to do.”

What does this mean? In Hebrew, the verb la’asot means “to continue to do” and “to perfect.” So G-d created this world unfinished and imperfect. He provided the framework and the raw materials, then required and empowered us to be His partners in Creation. We are dynamic partners with G-d in all parts of Creation, tasked with making this world a better place—and ultimately, with perfecting it. 

When G-d prepared to create man, He said, “Let us make man.” As in the creation of the world at large, G-d is inviting us to collaborate with him. How? By giving us the potential and the tools to make ourselves into the best version possible. 

G-d tells humans, “Let us ‘make’ man together. You will be responsible for making the right choices, improving yourself, being benevolent, and continuing to shape and create yourself.” In other words, like the world, humanity is created as an unfinished product, and we must strive to elevate and transform ourselves through our own efforts. We do this in partnership with G-d.

May we live up to our potential to be our best selves, and thereby continue to perfect the world.

Shabbat Shalom!