THROWING

The MEDRASH describes the creation of the world as follows: G-d took stones and threw them, and from them the earth was made.

The power to throw is unique amongst the other functions of the hand. In general the hand must be in close contact with the object it is affecting. When you paint your hand must hold the brush to the canvas. When you build you have to put the hammer to the nail. When you throw the power in your hand takes the stone to a distance – it is your power to affect something in the distance.

The MEDRASH is addressing an underlying question about creation, how can a finite and physical world be created from G-d who is himself unlimited and whose expression is unlimited. To answer this question the MEDRASH uses the metaphor of “throwing”.

The Kabalists teach that G-d is complete – just as he has the power (to be) in the infinite so does he have the power (to be) in the finite.

G-d’s expression in the infinite is “close” to him – it’s G-d’s natural realm. The finite is in the “distance” it is not were you would expect to find him. If G-d were to express himself fully there would not be the possibility for a finite reality. Therefore G-d remains in the distance and affects the finite reality by “throwing”.