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I’m trying to make sense of the creation story in beraishis but there are so many things left unclear or unsaid. What are some sources that lay it out clearly when each thing was created and what was going on?
I’m asking this question from the viewpoint that the story is meant to be taken literally at least to a large extent.
The dark and light where not separated in terms of space but rather time (meaning they were previously flashing one after the other in some unknown sequence). This that the darkness and light where not occupying the same space simultaneously is evidenced by the fact that a little light pushes away a lot of darkness.
There are many levels to the atmosphere between earth and outer-space. Perhaps outer space is the “avir” Rashi refers to as being occupied by the throne of glory. The sun and moon are stated to exist in the pasuk within the “rakia hashamayim”. It is apparent that outer space as well as the layers of our atmosphere are both considered heaven. Depending how you look at it the water and fire mentioned by Rashi to exist in the “rakia” in the atmosphere are related to phenomena such as rain and lightning, or in outer space to the various cold and hot planets and the like.
I’m not positive what the act of hovering of the throne of glory accomplished on a pragmatic level.
