You know, those moments where you think, "Wait, how did that happen?" Jewish tradition is rich with stories filling in those blanks, offering glimpses into the hidden corners of creation.
One such tradition speaks of ten things created in the twilight, that liminal space between the sixth day and the arrival of Shabbat. Think about it: a time out of time, a hinge connecting the work week to the day of rest. The Legends of the Jews, that incredible collection of rabbinic stories compiled by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, tells us that these weren't just any ordinary creations. They were extraordinary, almost…pre-emptive.
What were these twilight wonders? First, there’s the rainbow, unseen until Noah’s time, a promise whispered into the very fabric of existence. Then, the manna, that miraculous food that would sustain the Israelites in the desert. There were also the water springs, anticipating Israel's thirst. And then we get to the truly powerful stuff: the writing on the tablets given at Sinai, the pen that inscribed them, and the tablets themselves, all waiting for their moment in history.
But there’s more! The mouth of Balaam’s donkey (yes, that talking donkey!), Moses’ grave, the cave where Moses and Elijah found shelter, and finally, Aaron’s rod, already blossoming with almonds. Each item a seed of a future story, planted before its time. Isn't that incredible?
But what about the beings who would witness and celebrate this creation? Before the world existed, who was there to praise God? The answer, according to tradition, is that God created angels, the holy Hayyot (a special class of angels), the heavens, and Adam himself, all to sing His praises.
Now, during the week of creation, there wasn’t really a good time for a proper celebration. Everything was still… in progress. It was only on Shabbat, when all of creation rested, that beings on earth and in heaven could unite in song. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, all creation bursts forth in adoration when God ascends to and sits upon His Throne, specifically, the Throne of Joy.
Ginzberg elaborates on this scene, drawing from various midrashic sources: God has all the angels pass before Him – the angel of the water, the angel of the rivers, the angel of the mountains... the list goes on, encompassing every aspect of creation, even the angel of Gehenna (hell)!
Each angel, each division of the heavenly hosts, appeared before God "with great joy, laved in a stream of joy." They rejoiced, danced, and sang, praising the Lord with countless instruments. The ministering angels began, "Let the glory of the Lord endure forever!" And the rest of the angels answered, "Let the Lord rejoice in His works!"
Imagine the scene: 'Arabot, the seventh heaven, filled with joy and glory, splendor and strength, power and might, praise and jubilation. It's a symphony of adoration, a cosmic dance of gratitude.
What does it all mean? Perhaps it’s a reminder that creation isn’t just a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process, a continuous song of praise. And maybe, just maybe, we're all invited to join in that song, every Shabbat, every day.