The ancient rabbis certainly did, and they came up with some pretty fascinating ideas.

The image of the world resting on pillars is a powerful one, found in creation myths across cultures. But what kind of pillars? How many?

Some said twelve, a number rich with symbolism. According to Tree of Souls, this corresponds to the twelve tribes of Israel, each a foundational element of the Jewish people (Schwartz, "The Cosmic Seed"). A strong, unified people holding up the world? It's a beautiful thought.

But the possibilities don't end there. Others suggested seven pillars, resting on water. And this water? It sits atop mountains, which in turn are supported by wind and storm. It's a cascading, almost whimsical image, isn't it? A delicate balance of elements holding everything in place.

Then there's the idea of three pillars. And here's where things get a little…unsettling. The story goes that once every three hundred years, these pillars shift slightly, causing earthquakes. Talk about a cosmic tremor!

But perhaps the most intriguing idea comes from Rabbi Eleazar ben Shammua. He said the world rests on one pillar. Just one. And this pillar has a name: Tzaddik, "Righteous."

Think about that for a moment. One single pillar of righteousness holding up the entire world.

Now, what does that mean?

Well, it could be interpreted in a few ways. As the Talmud in Tractate Hagigah (12b) tells us, Rabbi Eleazar's vision could be an allegory. Maybe Tzaddik is referring to God Himself, the ultimate source of all existence, the foundation upon which everything rests. After all, that's the core belief of monotheism, isn't it?

Or, as discussed in Me'am Lo'ez on Genesis 1:10, maybe Tzaddik refers to the righteous individual. The one whose actions, whose very existence, are so vital that without them, the world would simply cease to be. A sobering thought, isn't it? That the fate of the world might hinge on the actions of a single, righteous person.

Or perhaps, it is the principle of righteousness itself. The idea of being just and merciful. The world, after all, could not exist without compassion.

So, which is it? Twelve pillars, seven, three, or one? Is it God, the righteous person, or the concept of righteousness?

Maybe it's all of them. Maybe the world needs all these things to keep from collapsing. Maybe we all have a part to play in holding it up.

What do you think? What are your pillars? What sustains you, and what do you contribute to holding up the world around you?