The Book Of Genesis says that G-D created the world in 6 days. Does that literally mean 6 days on Earth? 6 days on Jupiter is much longer than on earth so did the 6 days actually mean a long time period but symbolism was made of 6 days on earth for the convenience of man so that each week he can serve G-D on the Shabath? Modern Science says that it took 6 million years for earth to develop so maybe 6 days of creation according to Torah is actually equal to a much larger time period.
Hi,
This is actually a matter of some controversy these days and there are a number of approaches being used within the traditional Torah community. The idea that the six days of creation might be measurable in non-24-hour units has, in fact, been suggested. A variation of this was proposed by Rabbi Shimon Schwab a couple of decades ago. So it’s possible (even if complicated).
The one thing that must be remembered, however, is that the Torah is clearly trying to teach us to relate these six periods to an earth-bound week (so that Shabbath observance can be consistent). No matter what you might think about actual creation-time, we must definitely relate to it as six normal 24-hour days leading up to a restful seventh.
With regards,
Rabbi Boruch Clinton
Ottawa, Canada