Exploring the Universe: The Size of a Pinhead and Beyond

Leah asks:<\/strong><\/p>

"Hello, I read in a previous article that Hashem created the entire universe from an initial substance, and everything was smaller than the head of a pin. I can't understand how this is possible. How can a star fit on the head of a pin? And the whole universe? It's unimaginable. And while we're on the topic of unimaginable things, I also wonder what was before the universe. Does this mean there was nothing? Was there just an empty, dark space? Thank you!".<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

* * *<\/p>

Hello Leah, and thank you for your questions.<\/p>

The short scientific answer is yes, that's exactly how it was! Science has discovered that all galaxies are moving away from each other, which means that in the past, all stars and matter in the universe were concentrated in a tiny point, smaller than the head of a pin.<\/p>

About 800 years ago, the Ramban described this in his commentary on the first verse of Genesis, explaining that Hashem created the world from a "primordial material." Science today refers to this concentrated primordial matter as the "singular point."<\/p>

You're asking, how is this possible?<\/p>

The explanation lies in the fact that all apparently solid materials are actually composed of tiny particles moving at incredible speeds. This motion creates the illusion of volume, size, and shape. It's similar to a fan with three thin blades that feels 'solid' when spinning.<\/p>

An atom consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons rapidly orbiting it. The nucleus is so small that it could be compared to an ant in a football stadium. What makes up the "stadium" is the rapid movement of electrons around the nucleus!<\/p>

If all the particles in the universe stopped moving for even a moment, they could shrink back to the size of a pinhead.<\/p>

Regarding your second question,<\/p>

Science has shown that the universe appeared at a certain point in time and wasn't always in existence, which means that before the universe, there was no matter, space, or time—in simple terms: nothing.<\/p>

There was no color or absence of color; in fact, there wasn't even space to insert a pin. The universe wasn't there, so space didn't exist.<\/p>

The concept is hard to imagine because imagination relies on tangible images from our five senses. How can you imagine something that can't be seen, heard, or touched?<\/p>

But by analogy, try thinking about the concept of "vacuum." When a bag is inflated with air, it contains a mix of gases, but when you remove all the air, the contents collapse against each other, creating what's called "vacuum"—the absence of space.<\/p>

We can say that before the universe, there was a state of vacuum, an absolute emptiness of matter, space, and motion.<\/p>

Even if we can't imagine it, the concept is grasped by intellect.<\/p>

Without matter, there are no changes. Nothingness is a constant state, with no causes or effects because there's nothing to cause change or be changed.<\/p>

Nothingness is actually very simple to understand. It is the absence<\/strong> of matter and motion.<\/p>

In nothingness—nothing happens.<\/p>

Therefore, the emergence of the universe indicates a Creator who preceded it and is not bound by the limits of matter and time:<\/p>

1) Since before the universe there was no matter and energy<\/strong>, the proof is that whoever created the universe is not made of matter or energy. That is to say, their existence isn't material; in other words, they are supernatural.
2) Since before the universe there was no space<\/strong> (-vacuum), the proof is that whoever created the universe doesn't need space to exist. That is to say, their existence has no material boundaries; in other words, they are infinite, existing equally everywhere.<\/p>

3) Since before the universe there was no matter, space, or distances<\/strong>, the proof is that whoever created the universe has no boundaries or divisions. That is to say, their existence is limitless, and in other words, they are absolutely one.<\/p>

4) Since before the universe there was no movement or flow of time<\/strong> (past, present, or future), the proof is that whoever created the universe isn't subject to time. That is to say, their existence has no movement or change, and in other words, they are eternal.<\/p>

5) There are laws of nature in the universe<\/strong> that appeared alongside matter ex nihilo. This order organizes all materials in the universe with complex mathematical precision, proving that whoever created the universe planned its laws logically; in other words, they possess wisdom and intention.<\/p>

If we ask people worldwide what the word "Hashem" means, they'll usually say: Hashem is the Creator of the world, non-material, infinite, eternal, absolutely one, a supreme force, wise beyond measure.<\/p>

In all the points we've seen, there are indications from the universe of all the features that define "Hashem." It shows creation attests to its Creator, presenting clear evidence of the existence of Hashem.<\/p>