What Does It Mean That the Torah Was Created Before the World?

Hello, esteemed Rabbi. How was the Torah created 974 generations before the world, considering time itself was created, and only on the second day of Creation? Moreover, it is said that Hashem created worlds and destroyed them... Did Hashem need to experiment with trial and error in the creation of the world?

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Peace and blessings,

The Midrashim you mentioned contain many secrets and are meant to teach us profound ideas.

The Midrash that states the Torah was created before the world is intended to teach us that the Torah and the commandments are essentially the "manufacturer's instructions for the world," not the other way around. Some might think the Torah was given to us "after the fact," meaning because people sin and steal, the command "Do not steal" was given, or because we have parents, Hashem decreed "Honor your father and mother," etc. This is not true; the truth is that Hashem created the world according to the Torah's plan. This means Hashem wanted there to be a commandment of honoring parents, so He created a reality with parents; He wanted there to be a challenge related to property, so He created the inclination to steal, and so on. The world was created according to the Torah, and this is the lofty concept communicated by this Midrash.

In truth, the Torah is eternal, as it has always been Hashem's will to bestow goodness upon His creations. I believe that the expression "974 generations" contains additional secrets and concepts.

The Midrash stating that Hashem was creating and destroying worlds is intended to teach us that this world, which Hashem created, is completely perfect. It was declared "very good" because this world is suitable for achieving the divine purpose. This responds to those who doubt and think Hashem could have created a different world. The statement that Hashem has already actualized different possibilities teaches us that our current world is the most perfect.

It is understood that Hashem does not need to perform experiments in the creation of worlds; rather, His purpose is to teach us that our world is perfect, both in theory and in practice, similar to an artisan who first makes a pot, then breaks it and creates another pot until he finally makes a perfect one. Likewise, Hashem metaphorically created more and more worlds until He created our world. When we look into space, we see millions of worlds not suitable for living, whereas our world is unique, having all necessary conditions for life. Thus, we see with our eyes that we are the perfect creation in the entire universe.

Please also see the answer to the question - why did Hashem create the world in six days instead of one moment:

https://www.hidabroot.org/he/question/92995

Blessings,

Daniel Bels