In this episode, Rabbi Brackman explores profound explanations from Lurianic Kabbalah and the Zohar for why God brought the universe into being. He dedicates the episode in memory of his late father, Dr. Derek Samuel Brackman, who imparted to him a deep thirst for knowledge and critical thinking.
According to Lurianic teachings, before creation, there was only Ein Sof, the infinite, pure essence of God. But the Kabbalists identified a dilemma - without time and space from a physical world, God's transcendence of time described in his holy name could not fully manifest.
To be truly perfect, God had to create a realm where his mastery over time could be actualized. By forming space, matter, and ultimately humanity, God enabled his supreme greatness to unfold from potential into reality. No longer solitary, God could be recognized and glorified through all creation.
The Zohar further suggests that by creating the universe and beings to have dominion over, God could fully embody his divine role as "Adon" or master. Just as humans feel compelled to express their talents outwards, the Kabbalists saw this as reflecting God's desire to actualize his potential through creation.
In fact, Rabbi Brackman shares how this Kabbalistic concept inspired his Ph.D. research into helping people attain purpose and self-actualization by identifying and manifesting their latent gifts and abilities, just as God did through the genesis of the cosmos.
Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.