It grapples with this very question.
Here's the thing: the text points out a subtle but crucial difference in the way we describe creation. It says that God "creates negativity" and not "does negative." Now, what does that even mean?
The difference, according to Da'at Tevunot, is that God brought negativity into existence. If God hadn’t created it, it wouldn't exist at all. Think about that for a second. It's a pretty radical idea.
But here's the kicker: God didn't create negativity through a "positive action." It wasn't a direct, intentional act of creation in the same way that, say, light or the land were.
So, if it wasn't a direct action, what was it? That's where things get a little more… nuanced.
One way to understand this is to think about it in terms of potential. God created the potential for negativity, the possibility of it arising. It's like creating a canvas and paints. You've created the potential for a beautiful masterpiece, but you've also created the potential for a messy, chaotic painting. The potential is inherent in the creation, but the outcome depends on how it's used.
Another way to look at it is through the lens of free will. God gave us the ability to choose, to make decisions. And with that freedom comes the potential to choose paths that lead to negativity, to make choices that cause harm.
The creation of negativity, therefore, isn't an act of malice on God's part, but rather a necessary consequence of creation itself. It's the shadow that comes with the light, the price of free will, the flip side of the coin of existence.
This understanding can be incredibly empowering. Because if negativity is a created thing, a potential within the system, then it's not an insurmountable force. It's not an inherent part of God, but a possibility within creation. And that means we have the power to influence it, to mitigate it, to choose differently.
It’s a challenging thought, isn’t it? That the very act of creation necessitates the existence of its opposite. But maybe, just maybe, understanding that origin can help us navigate the complexities of our world, and strive to choose light, even in the face of darkness. What do you think?