Which came first - the heavens or the earth?

Hi,

A debate which may be about priority rather than timing:

"Beit Shammai said: The heavens were created first, and then the earth, for it is written (Genesis 1:1), 'In the beginning of Gd's creation of Heaven and Earth...'

"Beit Hillel said: The earth was created first, and then the heavens, for it is written (Genesis 2:4), 'On the day Gd made Earth and Heaven.'"

(Talmud, Chagigah 12a)

[Note: The debate continues on that page; it does not simply stop at this point.]

Have a great day,
Mordechai