NL03 – God and the World – Love and Justice in Creation – צדקה ומשפט

(pages 27-34)

The creation of heaven and earth and all the forces that make it up is a system of Tzedaka U’Mishpat. In the context of creation, Mishpat means the system God created that sets all the forces and parts of nature in place and the force of God that maintains them. Tzedaka means the giving that each individual part of creation gives to the greater whole, realizing its purpose through giving.

Light and dark, the atmosphere, clouds, evaporation, rain, oceans and the shorelines, the various species that fill the earth are all part of this system of Tzedaka U’Mishpat. Each has its place. Each takes from the whole and gives back.

God’s love (Tzedaka) provides matter and energy for the world to function, while His justice (Mishpat) sets limits, goals and boundaries.

• Rabbi Elias has a footnote in this chapter that says that this concept of Tzedaka U’Mishpat is actually kabbalistic and refers to Chesed and Gevura. I do not understand RSRH’s intention to be that at all. RSRH simply means a moral existence within the framework of life. GS

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