Torah   :  Counter-Missionary   :  Talmud   :  Politics   :  

Torah > Torah and Time

Torah and Time

I am loathe to present such information...

1. It need not be understated that the Torah presented below is one view among many Rishonim.
2. The use of science in interpreting the words of the Torah (or for that matter our holy Sages), is suspect, we cannot say for sure that this is what was meant.
3. This is not the forum for such views.
4. It will be misinterpreted no-doubt.

Nonetheless, I would like to present a little smattering to show that Torah, can be read correctly, and presented in light of current, academic scientific research and shown to be in concordance.

References include (but are not limited to) the following:
[1]. Mozersky, J.M. "Time, tense and special relativity", in International Studies in the Philosophy of Science, (2000) Vol. 14, No. 3. pp. 221-236.
[2]. Kholmwrakii, A.L., Potzel, W. et al. "Nuclear Resonant Scattering of Synchrotron Radiation as a Method for Distinction between Covariant Ether Theories and Special Relativity", in Hyperfine Interactions, (2004) 136/157: 9-13, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands.
Text of the Tanakh will be referred to inline.
The Foremost commentators (11th Century), that will be referred to are
[3] Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchaki 11th Century).
[4] Ramban (Nachmanides - Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman 12th Century).
(Mainly on Gen 1:1-1:15 and 1:14-19) [5] Gr"a (Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, Kramer)
[6] Zohar (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai), as quoted in the sources of the [7] Maharal (Rabbi Loewe of Prague&
[8] Ohr Gedaliayhu (Rav Gedaliah Schorr, Torah Vodaath)
[9] Rambam - (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon)
[10] Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato)

Time

It is not clear from the text whether time was inherent in creation (i.e. progressive as creation happened), or that it was a separate entity, created independently of the physical structure of the world. [4] explicitly expresses that time is a separate creation.

[1], in explaining B-series, that is E-M (Einstein-Minkowski) STR (Special Theory of Relativity), has suggested that time, is absolute, in his words: "tenseless". (He notes to compare with Rudd (Rudd, A. (1997) "Realism and time", Philosophical Studies, 88, pp. 245-265). I'm inclined to agree with him, however, Rudd's comment has severe metaphysical implications (Creationists, will probably side with Rudd more than [1].

[1]'s treatment of A-series will be dealt with in due course.

If one follows [4] (which btw is mainstream), it follows that the first word is construct see [3], thus the world is a product of the series (see Avos 5:1 & 5:8 Cf. Ch. 5). [1] has suggested a definition that time is relative to measuring change against it. I.e. time is a product (pejoratively) of change.

Thus time is relative to the changes that take place. Consider Day One: (Gen 1:5). A Change took place. [4] argues that Gen 1:1 is a summary of the entire process but infers that at least on Day 1, the vestibule (consider Gen 1:2), had to have been (Cf. Difficulty between Betzalel and Moses in making the items for the Tabernacle/Mishkan - see [3] and the Medrash there. Exo 38:22, Also bBER59a) (You may wish to compare this building of the Mishkan to the creation account - another discussion).

[4] suggests that days 1-6 (7?) are acted out as manifestations of the potential expressed in Day 1. How this qualifies in light of explanation potential that is inherent in the words: "ויומר" (Vayomer)...the bKIDD clarifies.

[5] Parallels the first half of creation with the second half - thus, Day 1 Parallels Day 4. [6] has suggested that the Ten Commandments Parallel Creation and [8] Compares it with the Plagues. (Cf. Avos 5 cited above).

The first 'commandment' (Christian sources do not consider this the first).

(Exo 20:1) "I am Hashem your G-d who took you out Egypt..." [6] Clarifies that the plague of the first born parallels this, and the first utterance of creation.

One (That is Day One) is an expression of Hashem. Which is supported by Gen 1:1, and as we said above Exo 20:1.

Hence, the creating being (Hashem, Creator), in creating, created time as a precondition for the creation process - thus that creation is necessarily relative to the creation of time (paradoxically at first glance, but logically consistent - since the definition of time is relative to change, but on only defined as such in absolute terms, but it is only contingent on the definition.



Matter

Gen 1:1 expresses at least, on some level (potential or actualizing potential), the creation of the physical - matter. Let all physical constructs be defined as the physical scientific term matter. (This is a fair estimate, considering the Rambam's first book to Mishneh Torah, Yesodei HaTorah 1:1, also Cf. Ramchal (M.Ch. Luzzato, Derech Hashem 1:1:1, and Daas Tevunos, Ch. 2).



Energy and Light

[2]'s thesis, suggests energy shifts, in his experiment exemplifying STR (Special Theory of Relativity). At this point I bring in [1]'s assessment of A-series. The suggestion here is that time is indefinite. An indefinite quantity. [1] notes the pitfalls. I'm not going to go further here, just to suggest that even under this model, time need not be completely absolute, even in [4]'s conception.

I now bring the famous E = mc^2. The relationship of matter (read: mass) (m) to energy (E) is interestingly useful; albeit, in a simplicistic sense. (consider that the equation doesn't express all the terms here: that is V = v + v' cited in [1]. Nonetheless, our time factor is speed of light. which is not necessarily a vector (this is disputed). c is the speed of light in a vacuum (300 000 m.s^-1).

Thus the constant here, although without direction, and as we might say: 'quantized'. it is the relationship of mass and distance over an absolute time relationship.

Given [3] on Gen 1:4, it is unclear whether or not אור that is "Ohr" is part of the physical composition of this world, in which case, care can be taken in reference to the above, or that it is not part of the physical composition of this world, and hence, cannot be used for direct correlation, but rather as an approximation.

The above is important.

Either way, the relationship, as expounded by [3] explains that this "Ohr" is dissimilar to that in Gen 1:14-19. But is a special light 'hidden' for the righteous, for their reward. It is interesting that the relationship of Energy is expressed by E = mc^2 in terms of light. Is it similar, indeed correlatory. Possibly.

The implications? Profound. What is this energy? This profound release of matter at light speed? With two different relative velocities, over an absolute time, relationship, is indicative of a space shift. [1] suggests a spacetime 'continuum'. Which remarkably fits well with [3]. Especially in view of the Rambam [9] who views a period of unrivalled spirituality and opening of understanding, yet the Physical nature of the universe remains unaltered. [10] in Derech Hashem, argues, based on a variety of sources, especially [6].

This is only therefore, according to these last sources, a hint to the hereafter. The sources talk about light, and the infinite ability of closeness of a human being to G-d. Perhaps this relationship of mass & speed, encapsulated by energy, maybe what [3], and [4] mean, and understand the words of Gen 1:1-5.

Those with a penchant for this sort of thing, will notice I have excluded Kaplan, A. the Age of the Universe..., specifically because his thesis has now become underground and is not mainstream. His views remain controversial.