For the source text click/tap here: Chagigah 12
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The Mishnah (11b) taught that ma’aseh bereshit – the secrets of creation – can be taught only to a single student, while ma’aseh merkavah – the secrets of the supernatural – can only be taught to a single student, if he is a scholar who has the ability to understand on his own. How are the terms ma’aseh bereshit and ma’aseh merkavah to be understood?
The Gemara quotes Rebbi Yosi who says, "Woe to those who see but do not know what they see, and who stand but do not know upon what they stand." He proceeds to describe what supports the world. The world is supported by pillars, which are supported by water. The water is supported by mountains, which are supported by the wind (Ru'ach). The wind is supported by the tempest (Se'arah), which is supported by the mighty arm of the Holy One, Blessed is He.
Rav Yehudah says there are two levels of heaven, as the verse says that Hashem has both the shamayim – heaven and shmai hashamayim – the heaven of the heavens.
Raish Lakish lists 7 (vilon, rakia, shechakim, zevul, ma'on, machon, and aravos), and lists the function of each one.
We explore the ancient cosmology of Genesis via the lens of the Talmud and contrast with modern understandings of these heavenly bodies.