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The origin of the universe

Creation

According to Jewish belief, God created the universe. The stories of how he did this are at the beginning of , which is the first book of the .

A visual representation of the days of Creation, from Genesis 1.
  • In the beginning - God started creation.
  • The first day - light was created.
  • The second day - the sky was created.
  • The third day - dry land, seas, plants and trees were created.
  • The fourth day - the Sun, Moon and stars were created.
  • The fifth day - creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly were created.
  • The sixth day - animals that live on the land and finally humans, made in the image of God were created.
  • By day seven, God finished his work of creation and rested, making the seventh day a special holy day, the .

The story then goes on to give more detail about the creation of humans, seen as two individuals, Adam and Eve.

Adam was made from 'the dust of the ground' and God breathed life into him. Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs to provide company for Adam. They lived in a special place called the Garden of Eden. Both of them were given the task and responsibility to look after the place that God had created for them.

Question

Explain the Jewish beliefs about the creation of the universe.