Why Were We Created? Understanding Our Divine Purpose

One of the most fundamental questions people ask is: Why did Hashem create human beings at all? Does Hashem truly care about the people He created, or is there another purpose behind existence?

These questions are not new. They have accompanied humanity throughout history, and the Torah offers deep insight into them.

Question #1 : Why Did Hashem Create Humans?

If Hashem created people in order to receive honor, what kind of honor is that? Most of the world does not recognize Him or think about Him at all. Entire nations live their lives without awareness of their Creator. Even among those who do believe, honoring Hashem requires effort, struggle, and faith.

If honor were the goal, Hashem already has countless angels who serve Him perfectly and constantly. Why then create humans, who forget, fail, and struggle?

And why did Hashem choose to form such a close relationship specifically with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Why redeem them from Egypt, give them the Torah, and promise reward for following His will and consequences for ignoring it?

Question #2: Does Hashem Love Humanity?

We usually measure love by giving. The more a person gives without expecting anything in return, the greater their love appears. By that measure, examining how Hashem gives to the world helps us understand His love for His creations.

The world was designed as a place where Hashem’s presence is hidden. People are given free choice, allowing them to search for Him through thought, faith, and effort. This hiddenness comes at a cost. Hashem allows people to misuse the world, deny Him, and act against His will. In doing so, He allows what could be seen as disgrace, all for the sake of giving humans the opportunity to choose truth and earn reward.

The Purpose of Creation: For Our Benefit

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, known as the Ramchal, explains this idea clearly in his classic work Mesilat Yesharim. He teaches that the purpose of creation is not for Hashem’s benefit, but for ours.

Hashem’s essence is pure goodness. True goodness means giving, and the greatest possible gift is eternal spiritual pleasure. Humans were created to grow, refine themselves, overcome physical desires, and attach themselves to Hashem through mitzvot and moral living. Through this effort, they earn a place in the eternal world of souls.

This world, with all its challenges and trials, is a preparation ground. The struggles we face here are what allow us to truly receive reward later, not as unearned gifts, but as something we worked for and deserve.

Love That Allows Choice

Hashem’s love is demonstrated by His willingness to create a world where both good and evil exist. He allows confusion, failure, and struggle, all so that people can freely choose righteousness.

This willingness to remain hidden, to allow misuse of His world, and to endure denial of His presence is itself an act of immense love. It exists solely to allow humanity the opportunity to grow and ultimately receive eternal good.

The Torah promises that in the end, all Israel will return. Repentance and return are woven into creation itself, ensuring that no soul is ever truly lost.

Love as the Foundation of Everything

In the end, the purpose of creation and the trials of this world can be summed up in one word: love. Hashem created humanity not to receive honor, but to give goodness. Every challenge, every opportunity for growth, and every act of return is part of that loving design.

Understanding this transforms how we view life. Existence is not random, and suffering is not meaningless. Everything is directed toward helping us reach lasting closeness to Hashem and eternal joy.

This article is adapted from the book 'Living with Faith' by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi.