יש מאין

Shavua Tov. Continuing with the subject of יש מאין, Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that we emphasize this point every day when we say the אדון עולם prayer.

The words, בטרם כל יציר נברא, are translated as “Who reigned before any form was created.” The idea here is that we are to be reminded that Hashem created the world from nothing.

Many have difficulties with this concept. Human beings are capable of taking raw materials and turning such materials into something creative. A carpenter can turn wood into furniture. An artist can take paper and turn it

Into a beautiful painting. The same would be true of other craftsmen. In every case, it is turning something into something else.

This is not true with Hashem. He is capable of creating something where there was no raw material there before. Only Hashem can do this. This is יש מאין that is meant for us to be much more in awe of Hashem because of this.