And our sages, wrestling with the creation story itself, asked a very similar question.

The Book of Psalms (8:5) asks, "What is a mortal that You remember him, a man that You take him into account?" Why bother with us at all? What's the point? It's a raw, honest question that cuts right to the heart of our existence.

Rav Huna, quoting Rabbi Aivu in Bereshit Rabbah, offers a fascinating perspective. He suggests that God created humanity "wisely," ensuring our sustenance was in place before we even arrived on the scene. Think about that for a moment. The stage was set, the table was prepared, before we even took our first breath.

But that didn't stop the angels from voicing their concerns. According to Bereshit Rabbah, the ministering angels challenged God, asking, "Master of the universe, what is a mortal that You remember him, a man that You take him into account?" (Psalms 8:5). "This trouble, why should it come about?"

Essentially, they were asking, "Why create beings who are destined to struggle, to suffer? What's the need?"

God's response, as recorded in Bereshit Rabbah, is equally profound. He replies, "If so, all sheep and cattle, all the animals of the field – why were they created? The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea – why were they created?"

It's a powerful analogy. Imagine a king who builds a magnificent tower, filled with treasures beyond measure. But he has no guests to share it with. No one to appreciate its beauty, to partake in its abundance. "What pleasure does the king derive from having filled it?" Bereshit Rabbah asks.

The point? Creation needs someone to appreciate it, to interact with it, to give it meaning. The world wasn't made for itself; it was made for us. And, perhaps more importantly, we were made for the world.

The angels, seemingly understanding the divine wisdom, then respond, "Lord, our Master, how mighty is Your name throughout the world – do what pleases You." (Psalms 8:10). In other words, "We trust Your judgment. Your plan is beyond our comprehension, but we accept it."

It’s a reminder that even when we don’t understand the “why” behind things, there’s a larger purpose at play. A purpose that involves us, intimately and inextricably, with the grand tapestry of creation.

So, next time you find yourself questioning your place in the universe, remember the angels' query and God's insightful response. We're not just here. We're here to be the guests at the King's table, to appreciate the bounty, to give meaning to the magnificent tower that is our world. And that, perhaps, is reason enough.