Emanations of G-d’s Virtuous Power
When The Eternal G-d prepared to create, He began creation with the primal, elemental force of “R’esheet.” This primal force became the foundational element and force for all of creation. It was a foundational process through which all things begin, and all things have their existence.
In Jewish mystical tradition, the Hebrew word “R’esheet” (רֵאשִׁית) holds profound significance. Beyond its literal meaning of “beginning” in Hebrew, it represents the primal point of creation, the initial spark from which the universe emanates. In this context, “R’esheet” symbolizes the Emanation of power from the Eternal Master of the Cosmos, the ultimate origin from which all existence unfolds. It is the beginning of beginnings and emergent point of emanation. It embodies the essence of G‑d’s creative energy, the moment of Divine Inception that set the universe in motion.
Thus, the focal point of “R’esheet” is a moment of convergent Divine Thought and Hokhmah (providence). In other words, all the pre-thought that G-d’s used in the contemplation of creation converges into one point. “R’esheet” (רֵאשִׁית) encompasses the intricate prelude to creation. It represents the convergence of all Divine Contemplation and pre-thought that G‑d employs to meticulously plan every detail and requirement for the act of creation. Within the essence of “R’esheet,” the entirety of G‑d’s wisdom, intention, and creative foresight condenses into a singular point, serving as the blueprint for the entire universe.
In this profound concept, “R’esheet” embodies the Eternal Master of the Cosmos’ thought process preceding creation, where every aspect, from the grand cosmic laws to the minutest details, is meticulously envisioned. It is the point of origin where G‑d’s infinite intelligence coalesces into a focused intention, setting the stage for the unfolding of the universe.
If we can imagine R’esheet as a single primordial point, we must know that every possible contingency resides within that point.
Contemplating “R’esheet” allows us to tap into this pre-creation wisdom, seeking to understand the intricate web of Da’at that underlies the existence of all things. Therefore, when we contemplate “R’esheet” we are trying to envision ALL possible contingencies possible in a construction project.
In mystical traditions, “R’esheet” (רֵאשִׁית) embodies a powerful creative force. It represents the initial utterance through which G‑d brought the universe into existence. But before there can be an initial utterance there must be contemplative orderly thought.
Contemplating “R’esheet” connects one to the Primordial Energy of Creation, offering a direct link to Divine Wisdom and creativity. By contemplating this concept, practitioners aim to tap into the limitless potentiality of the universe, seeking inspiration, insight, and transformative energy.
- In this context, the vibrations of the word “R’esheet” is considered sacred and is believed to have the power to shape reality.
- Contemplative thought is often used to focus upon this word, using its resonance to align their consciousness with the Divine Creative process.
- Through this alignment, they seek to focus creative energy, enhance spiritual understanding, and bring about positive change in both the inner and outer worlds. It’s viewed as a tool to access the depths of cosmic Hokhmah and participate in the ongoing process of creation at a profound level.
Practical Application of R’esheet
When we see the process of G-d’s contemplation on a finite level we can begin to understand the power and purpose of R’esheet and a contemplative tool for beginning a project. Thus, before we begin a project, regardless of what it might be we try to imagine (a creative tool) all the possibilities of the construction project or idea. If we were to try to invent a new car, we would have to consider all the facets of creation. Secondly, we would have to consider fuel source, Safety, all the physical points of its construction. This may also involve some research etc. However, on a smaller level what about baking a cake. What ingredients does one need? What kind/flavour/type? What kind of decoration? What kind of frosting? Each detail requires contemplation.
Upon the completion of this contemplative process, we also need to know where to begin. The point of beginning is again R’esheet.
In its deepest mystical sense, “R’esheet” (רֵאשִׁית) transcends mere temporal or sequential beginnings. It represents the primordial essence from which all creation emanates—a point beyond the constraints of time and space. In the vast tapestry of Kabbalistic understanding, “R’esheet” symbolizes the singularity of Divine Thought, the unfathomable moment where G‑d’s intention crystallizes into existence.
This concept signifies not just the first moment of creation but the eternal, continuous act of creation itself.
“R’esheet” is the timeless nexus where Divine Wisdom, will, and energy converge, birthing all forms of life and existence.
It embodies the infinite possibilities contained within G‑d’s consciousness, from which the entire universe unfolds and evolves.
R’esheet not only the contemplation of everything needed in creation, but it also contemplated every thought throughout history, from beginning to End. It contemplates every action, its cause and effect and how that cause and effect would affect the future outcome of the Eternal plan.
While we think of the contemplation of creation in the mind of G-d as have taken some indeterminate length of time, we must remember thar there was no such thing as time in the mind of the Eternal. Therefore, the process of consideration has no set temporal definition. While scientists say that creation (the cosmos) took 14 billion years to evolve we do not know how much time it took.
Did G‑d weave the length of His thought into creation? If so, how would we measure it?
Arché – Hokhmah
This Hebrew word is associated with and/ or the paralleled by the Greek word Arché. Both R’esheet and Arché bespeak archetypical matters which must come first before further manifestations. Yet these words also and more importantly relate to things which are primary in that state of position. Thus, the power of the Eternal G‑d while, He has always existed, have a beginning place and a concluding place. The beginning is initiated by the word and mystery of R’esheet. The opening word of Genesis is “B’resheet.” This word becomes the first word of the Torah. This word is spoken and becomes the first word of Wisdom (Hokhmah). Furthermore, R’esheet is associated with wisdom by the Zohar and other Kabbalistic writings.
The mystery of R’esheet is the process of Hokhmah’s or wisdom’s emanations.
The mystery of R’esheet is what happened in the mind of the Eternal G-d as to the elements of creation’s existence.
Proverbs chapter 8 uses the word Teshuya and Hokhmah to relate to the beginning. Teshuya as stated is directly associated with Hokhmah, “wisdom.” Yet Proverbs also uses the word Hokhmah in relation to the beginning or R’esheet. This idea we see in B’resheet (Gen. 1) is that G-d used Hokhmah as a primal element and tool of creation.
Or R’esheet is the archal element of all creation.
Thie element is not strictly Hokhmah but R’esheet of Hokhmah.
Therefore, the highest point of The Eternal G-d’s power is Hokhmah. Hokhmah becomes The Eternal G-d’s nexus of seminal emission for all elemental power. In a sense Hokhmah in creation must be restrained by Binah. All of the Sefirot were housed in the initial Sefira of Hokhmah. We might compare this idea to the Counting of the Omer in that we would first see Hokhmah of Hokhmah. Then Binah of Hokhmah and Da’at of Hokhmah. In a mystical – So’odic sense the primal point of Hokhmah went through the filtering process of having been bound to all the lower Sefirot.
Were each of these filtrations a separate thought from all the others? In my learned opinion they were not separate. They were all a part of a single train of thought, the first and only thought of a perfected creation. Each filtration does exactly that, meaning it filters out the refuse per se, casting all negativity into the Great abyss.