Torah Study > Chapter 1: The Call to Action > Text 6
What does Goshen-Gottstein mean when he writes that, “Judaism
sees creation as perfect and imperfect?”
Perfection flows from the fact that the Creator is perfect. When we first look at how nature functions and how our bodies work, we can see that sense of perfection. But upon closer examination, when we see how much suffering is part of the world and how our seemingly perfect bodies can break down from disease, we recognize the potential of humans to improve upon creation and alleviate some of the suffering in the world.
In what ways does Judaism make it clear that striving for perfection is
an important aim in life?
Judaism makes striving for perfection a normal aspect of daily life through
practices such as Shabbat. Shabbat is way to experience life as it might
be—with no work, surrounded by family and friends. When we experience
Shabbat as a day of happiness and fulfillment, we then strive to infuse the
rest of our week with some of that spirit.
If you took the idea of humanity’s responsibility to perfect the world
seriously, how would it change your life?
What do you do with this idea if you don’t believe that creation is
a Divine act? Is it possible for Judaism to be a source of personal
obligation if you don’t believe in God?
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