Here we are again, as we start the Torah reading with Perashat Beresheet and the story of creation. We observe that on each day, G-d creates, and at the end of each day, the Torah says: “And G-d saw that it was good” (Beresheet 1:4, 1:10, 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, 1:25, 1:31).
Though on the second day of creation, G-d doesn’t say “it was good” (Beresheet 1:6-8). Then, on the third day, He said it twice. Why? It’s not because G-d dislikes Mondays the way we sometimes do. There’s a deeper message here.
Later in the perasha, we read about Lemech and his wives: “Lemech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah and the name of the other was Zillah” (Beresheet 4:19). The phrase “for himself” stands out. Usually, the Torah simply says, “he took a wife.” Why add “for himself”?
Rashi, quoting Beresheet Rabbah, explains that in the generation of the flood, it became common for men to take two wives, a primary and a secondary. Though the primary wife was meant to have and raise the children, the secondary often received the greater attention and care. The Torah highlights this by saying “for himself,” exposing how misplaced and selfish this behavior was. Lemech’s focus was on personal desire rather than building a true home or future.
As we see in the pesukim that follow, Lemech’s primary wife, Adah, gave birth to Yaval and Yuval (Beresheet 4:20-21). Yaval became the “father of those who dwell in tents and herd livestock”, while Yuval was the “father of all who play harp and flute”; both building and uplifting the world. On the other hand, Zillah, the secondary wife, gave birth to Tuval-Kayin (Beresheet 4:22), who crafted weapons, making killing and destruction easier.
The Kli Yakar explains that the difference between these children came down to intention. Adah’s family was rooted in purpose, that is building life and raising children and a family. Zillah’s was rooted in self-indulgence, and it produced harm. When something begins with the right intentions, even ordinary work can elevate the world. When it begins with the wrong ones, even talent and creativity can corrupt it.
Now we can return to creation. Why didn’t G-d say “it was good” on the second day? Because that was the day division was created, specifically when the waters above were separated from the waters below. Division, even when necessary, isn’t “good” on its own. It needs purpose. On the third day, when creation achieved harmony, when G-d created dry land, vegetation, and life, G-d said “it was good” twice. Ramban explains that since the process of separation was not yet complete, it could not yet be called good. True goodness comes only when something achieves wholeness and unity, when even division becomes part of a greater purpose.
Now, as we begin the new year and emerge from the holidays, we have the opportunity to show G-d our good intentions. We may not always succeed in everything we set out to do, but if our efforts come from sincerity and purpose, to grow, to give, and to build, G-d recognizes that. When He sees that our hearts are directed toward good, He can look at our actions and say, “It is good,” blessing us with success, meaning, and peace in the year ahead.