Galaxies and Their Mysteries: Exploring the Infinite Universe

A galaxy is a collection of stars linked through gravitational interaction. Nearby galaxies form "galaxy clusters" and "groups of galaxies," which in turn create "superclusters" that encompass numerous galaxy clusters.

The universe contains hundreds of billions of galaxies. These galaxies, even through the most advanced telescopes, appear only as fuzzy spots. Galaxies come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from dwarf galaxies containing about 10 million stars to giant galaxies with 100 trillion stars. An average galaxy houses tens of billions of stars. Notably, this number is an educated estimate as the actual content of galaxies and their solar systems elude our direct observation; some visible stars are actually the fading light of stars that no longer exist.

In the past, it was believed that this was the entire universe, but today we know there are billions more galaxies in the cosmos, separated by vast distances.

The name "galaxy" originates from the Greek word meaning milk. When stars are viewed under optimal conditions, they appear as a milky-white band crossing the sky. This band consists of densely packed, distant stars. They're so densely packed that we can't see them as separate bright points, but rather as a continuous, bright strip. This star trail is effectively our galaxy's plane, aptly named the "Milky Way" due to its color. It was the first galaxy humans observed and gave its name to others found subsequently. Within this galaxy, which includes Earth, there are between 200 and 400 billion stars.

What can one learn from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? Rabbi Raphael Ohayon offers a captivating talk on the purpose of life.

The Immensity of the Universe Known to the Sages

In an ancient Midrash over 1500 years old, the Sages of blessed memory calculated the number of stars. The Midrash presents this number in multiples, exceeding billions and billions of stars (today we use mathematical "powers" to denote numbers so large).

As the Gemara states (Berakhot 32b): "Hashem said: My daughter, I created 12 constellations in the sky. For each constellation, I created 30 armies; for each army, I created 30 legions; for each legion, I created 30 divisions; for each division, I created 30 battalions; and for each battalion, I hung 365,000 myriad stars opposite the days of the sun. And all this I have created only for you, and you say that I have abandoned you..." This intriguing passage offers comfort and reassurance to the Jewish people, asserting that Hashem has not abandoned them, while also laden with scientific data.

The terms "division," "battalion," and "battalion leader" denote types of armies or systems comprising smaller units (Rashi explains: "heads of troops and divided groups," and "names of authority such as governor, bishop, duke, and pasha"). In scientific language, the term "battalion leader" could allude to a galaxy.

The number presented by the Sages is greater than trillions upon trillions of stars, beyond human imagination. Today, we use powers, like 10 to the power of 18, to express such vast numbers (NASA currently estimates the theoretical number of stars as 10 to the power of 21). Writing 10 to the power of 18 means 10 multiplied by itself 18 times.

The Midrash also reflects the idea that stars are organized within internal and external systems: "...and for each legion, I created 30 divisions, and for each division, I created 30 battalions. And for each battalion, I hung 30 battalion leaders." This isn't merely a description of a vast collection of stars but rather their organization into internal and external systems, as we recognize today in terms of "galaxies," "star clusters," "superclusters," and "solar systems."

The immense number of stars and galaxies evokes awe, showcasing the true grandeur of an infinite Creator. In the words of the Sages, these topics are termed "The Mysteries of the Torah." Over recent centuries, some of these external secrets of creation have been unveiled.

Rabbi Daniel Bels explains that this advancement in science is a stage in humanity's preparation for the coming of Mashiach and the redemption, as the prophet Jeremiah (31:33) states: "They shall no longer teach each neighbor or each other, saying, 'Know Hashem,' for they shall all know Me, from the least to the greatest, says Hashem, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more." As humanity gains an understanding of the vastness of the universe, they comprehend how truly great Hashem is, indicating a significant step toward redemption. For more on Rabbi Bels' insights, click here.

What Is the Purpose of Hundreds of Billions of Galaxies?

It's essential to remember that each star and galaxy's impact on our world is significant, as proven by nature's studies. Even if the reasons for these existences remain unknown, it adds to the world's greatest mystery—"the world," of which more remains hidden than revealed, keeping humankind from fully grasping the Creator's thought in creation, leaving the psyche awestruck by this cosmic wonder.

Rabbi Daniel Bels explains that humans are of greater importance to Hashem than any star, as humans possess a soul and awareness, capable of acknowledging His existence, communicating with, and seeking closeness to Him, unlike the millions of galaxies devoid of consciousness.

Answering an inquiry about the purpose of creating stars, Rabbi Bels stated that the Sages teach that the entire creation is meant to reveal Hashem's greatness and infinitude, as expressed in the Psalms (8): "When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars that You established."

Hashem is the true infinity, so creation is the closest thing to infinity: an immensely vast reality in its size and power, leaving humans in awe and fear of these colossal expanses with their material eyes, comprehending the enormity and wonder of the non-material Creator who fashioned it all. The galaxies and stars are the palaces of the King of Kings. As crucial as the king is, so is the size of his palace.

Hashem crafted the world specifically for us, teaching about His grandeur and truth through the cosmos. Observing the universe, one immediately recognizes only an absolute, infinite Creator lies behind this all and negates the possibility of other deities. The phrase "none besides Him" is echoed by the power and scale of creation, bearing witness to its Creator.

Furthermore, Rabbi Bels notes the physical utility of stars. For the universe to sustain and not collapse into itself due to gravity, an immense amount of mass is required (stars and planets). This maintains the balance in the universe. Most of the universe isn't conducive to life as the radiation levels are too high—Earth is located in a specific part of the galaxy that allows our existence. But all stars are needed together to maintain the universe's balance—and with it, our world..

Why Did Hashem Create Such a Vast Universe?

Important Jewish Sources on the Universe's Size.

What is the Significance of Humanity in Such a Vast Universe?

What Is the Purpose of Creating the World?

"The brain inside your head is the wonder of creation," continues Rabbi Bels, answering the questioner, "nowhere else in the universe was a computer as sophisticated as this brain created—it operates 100 billion neurons (nerve cells)—a number surpassing all the stars in the galaxy, all working in perfect harmony to allow you to see, hear, move, speak, and think. This isn't the place to describe all the amazing and complex processes occurring within your body.

And, bear in mind, all these incredible systems are merely the external vessel given to you in this world for your soul to control the body like a driver in a car.

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