The correspondent’s assumption that only G-d’s existence can
be termed primary, needs elucidation. Certainly, pre-existence properly
refers only to G-d All else is His production, either as emanations or as
creatures.1 This
pertains, however, only to the more profound implications of the absolute
adjective, pre-existent. In general usage though, the adjective may have
varying applications, e.g., Adam Kadmon2 [Primordial
Man],3 or the expressions primary of all
primaries 4and primary thought.5
Adjectives can be truly understood only in terms of their
respective subjects. For example the adjective echod [one] is not
constant in every context; it varies with its subject. “The L-rd is One,”6 is hardly synonymous with “one
day.”7 “One day” means first
day, “one” being an enumeration, followed by “second day”; “one G-d” means
sole G-d, the absolute One, or yachid.
Why then is He spoken of as One (Echod) rather than
Sole (Yachid)? Echod indicates the unity and oneness of all beings
in their source, the Almighty. This is indicated in the very letters of the word
echod: heaven and earth, which include all (spiritual and material)
creation, are nullified before the Master of the Universe.8
Every adjective must similarly be examined for definition in
accordance with its subject. Primary may thus refer to anything
antecedent. If secondary subjects are in turn antecedent to tertiary subjects,
the first may be called primary of primaries to indicate precedence to
the next class, which is primary in terms of its successor, the third
class.