Keeping Above Water

“Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who spreads forth the earth above the waters.” (Siddur, Morning Blessings)

Although we are immeasurably insignificant in comparison to G‑d, we nevertheless possess the capability to serve Him. This, however, is only because, in His kindness, G‑d has revealed Himself within this world and through the Torah, indicating His desire to have a dwelling place on this lowest of all planes. He designed creation to give us a place to put our feet, a stage from which to function. He has “spread the earth above the waters.”

Eretz (meaning “earth” in Hebrew) is related to the word ratz (“run”); the Midrash teaches that the earth is so called because it ran to do G‑d’s will. In this context, “earth” is a metaphor for action that stems from choice. Water, on the other hand, flows from higher to lower levels, and symbolizes the “top-down” revelation of G‑dliness; this is related to doing G‑d’s will automatically, since in the face of revelation there is no possibility of noncompliance.

In the higher worlds, “water,” the unquestioning fulfillment of the divine will, is above “earth,” the fulfillment of the divine will out of choice. In this world, however, “earth” is above “water”; our sense of free choice is not overwhelmed by the illumination of constant revelation. When we awaken each morning, we should reflect upon the great favor the Almighty has done for us by spreading the earth above the water, thereby allowing us to serve Him willingly, and not merely as a matter of course. For this reason King David proclaimed, “He spreads the earth above the waters, for His kindness is everlasting” (Psalms 136:6).