Parshas Bereishis (Machar Chodesh) 5787
וייצר ה' אלקים את האדם עפר מן האדמה ... (ב-ז)
MASHAL: An artist once asked a respectable Rabbi why Hashem desires human service when He already has perfect, flawless angels. Given human flaws, mistakes, and constant struggles, what value do human mitzvos truly have?
The Rabbi asked the artist about his profession. The artist proudly shared that he painted a sunset over the ocean so exquisite and detailed that it commanded an exorbitant price.
“Why doesn’t someone simply take a picture of the sunset with a camera?” the Rabbi inquired. “A camera provides a far more perfect replica than any painting.”
The artist smiled and explained that a camera involves no personal effort or challenge, so taking a photograph carries no true achievement. The true beauty of art lies in attaining near perfection within the limits of human ability.
The Rabbi explained that this principle answers the initial question. An angel’s service is like a camera’s photograph; flawless and effortless, without challenge. Hashem created flawed human beings so they can be “artists” painting life as beautifully as possible within their confinements. Serving Hashem is an art, where true perfection is forged through overcoming human limitations.
NIMSHAL: A fundamental theme in Parshas Bereishis is the creation and the purpose of human beings. The Torah describes how Hashem created human beings - from earth, with unique limitations, flaws, and the potential to elevate themselves through effort, rather than creating them as flawless beings like the angels. This is an “avodah” we aspire to as we begin the Torah again.