Parashat Bereshit: Building a New World

Hello everyone! A gesunder Winter—a healthy, meaningful winter—should be our blessing this season. I know I shouldn’t be writing this right now, but my heart tells me to share some Torah thoughts as we transition out of the Yamim Tovim (High Holidays) and begin Sefer Bereshit.

After Yom Tov, there’s a mix of emotions. We return to routine, but also feel a longing. Throughout Elul and Tishrei, we felt closer to Hashem through extra tefillot, like "L'Dovid Hashem Ori V’Yishi". Then came Shemini Atzeret, when Hashem said, “Stay with Me a little longer.” And now—it’s back to the everyday. But it’s not an end. It’s a beginning.

Why the Torah Begins with the Letter Bet

The Torah begins with the letter Bet (ב), not Aleph. Bet symbolizes plurality and connection. Hashem, the One and Only, created a world of relationships—between people and between man and G-d.

As the Chafetz Chaim teaches, the majority of mitzvot aren’t personal—they're interpersonal. Torah begins with "Bet" to remind us that holiness is built on connection, chesed, and community. Even the word “Baruch” (in every brachah) starts with Bet—our blessings begin with awareness and connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

Our Connection to Eretz Yisrael

Rashi's very first comment on Bereshit addresses the Land of Israel. Why begin the Torah with creation? To remind us that Hashem created the world, and He decides who inherits it.

This isn’t a message for the nations—it’s a message for us. If we hear “Listim Atem” (You are thieves), it’s not about world opinion—it’s a sign to introspect. Are we connected to Eretz Yisrael, Torah, and mitzvot as we should be?

Especially during a Shemitah year, when farmers sacrifice comfort for mesirut nefesh, Hashem is reminding us:

“Bereshit—for you, Am Yisrael.”

The Sin of Adam and Chava: A Lesson in Gratitude and Submission

Gan Eden was a place of perfection and blessing. Hashem allowed Adam and Chava to enjoy everything—except one tree. But the Yetzer Hara, symbolized by the snake, shifted their focus to what they couldn't have.

It’s a lesson we live every day: Do we focus on blessings or what’s lacking? Do we choose gratitude and humility, or do we try to define truth on our own terms?

The punishment of the snake—losing its legs and crawling—symbolizes the fall of arrogance. A person sins when they stand tall, believing they understand more than G-d. But true strength is in bowing—knowing everything is from Hashem.

The Cry of the Waters: Teshuvah and Elevation

Mayim Tachtonim (lower waters) wept when separated from the Mayim Elyonim (upper waters). This deep spiritual metaphor teaches us that even when we feel far from Hashem, our soul cries to return.

Hashem promises to elevate the lower waters—they become part of the Korbanot (offerings in the Beit HaMikdash) through the salt. This reminds us:

Tears of longing are never lost. They uplift us.

Even in darkness, sincere teshuvah lifts us to spiritual heights.

Building a New World After the Yamim Tovim

We’re not going back—we’re going forward. Bereshit teaches us that life is about new creation. We are co-creators with Hashem in building the world we want to live in.

Let’s start this new cycle with:

Energy Hope Emunah Kindness. A commitment to help others and stay spiritually connected.

The perfection of Gan Eden is not just a memory—it’s a goal. And with each mitzvah, each act of love, we bring that reality closer.

Looking Ahead: May We See Redemption Soon

As we study Parashat Bereshit, may we be inspired to build lives of meaning, gratitude, and connection. May the light of creation guide us back to Gan Eden, and may Mashiach come speedily in our days.

Have a beautiful Shabbos, a healthy winter, and may we only share good news.