Parashat Bereishit – Finding Strength, and Purpose in Uncertain Times (2023)

Shalom u’vracha, dear friends. As I write these words from New York, our hearts remain deeply connected to our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael. Although miles apart from Elberton and the sites of sorrow, our minds and tefillot (prayers) are constantly with those grieving, wounded, and in fear. So many young lives have been cut short, and others continue to face unimaginable challenges.

This week, as we begin Parashat Bereishit, we are reminded of the profound power of new beginnings—even amidst pain. How do we begin again? What message can the Torah's first parashah offer us during such a difficult time?

The Echo of Prophecy and the Hidden Will of Hashem

In earlier times, Hashem guided us through the Nevi’im (prophets), Kohanim (priests), and the Urim veTumim. Today, without prophecy, how do we understand the events unfolding around us?

During World War II, Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz explained that in the absence of prophecy, Hashem speaks to us through world events. He teaches us with Midah k’neged Midah—measure for measure. Our responsibility is to ask: What does Hashem want from us right now?

The Letter Bet: Blessing, Unity, and the Purpose of Creation

The Torah begins with the letter Bet, symbolizing Bracha (blessing). The world was created for unity and gratitude—values at the very heart of Jewish life. We live not only for ourselves but with and for others.

We must learn to see blessings in our lives and become sources of blessing to others. Especially now, we are called to live lives of achdut (unity) and Hakarat HaTov (gratitude).

Rashi’s Timeless Question: Why Begin with Creation?

Why does the Torah begin with Creation and not with the first mitzvah? Rashi answers:

“Koach Ma'asav Higid L’Amo” – Hashem declared His works to His people.

So that when others claim we have no right to Eretz Yisrael, we respond: “LaHashem Ha’aretz!” – The land belongs to Hashem, and He gives it to whom He chooses.

This isn’t only a message for the world—it’s a reminder to us:Our right to the land is intertwined with our Torah and mitzvot. If we abandon them, we risk losing the strength that comes from Divine favor.

Gan Eden: The Lessons of Responsibility and Gratitude

Adam HaRishon was given everything, yet failed to take responsibility for his mistake. He blamed Chava; Chava blamed the Nachash (serpent). This lack of gratitude and accountability led to exile from Gan Eden.

And yet, the moment Adam saw his son Kayin repent and be forgiven, he realized the power of Teshuvah. He cried: Had I known, I too would have cried out to Hashem. From this, we learn:It is never too late. Tefillah (prayer) and Teshuvah open doors.

The Power of One Tefillah

One of the most moving tefillot of the year is the brief yet powerful prayer of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. He asked that rain not be withheld due to individual requests—teaching us that even a single prayer can reach the heavens and influence Hashem’s will.

Every Perek Tehillim, every whispered plea, matters. Whether for a soldier, a wounded child, or the safety of our nation—your tefillah counts.

Simcha and Bitachon: Joy and Faith in Difficult Days

Though these weeks are filled with uncertainty, Hashem still demands:

“Ivdu et Hashem b’Simcha” – Serve Hashem with joy.

This isn’t superficial. It’s a deep inner simcha that stems from Bitachon (trust) in Hashem’s constant protection. Even when the world feels chaotic, we are not alone:

“Hinei Lo Yanum v’Lo Yishan Shomer Yisrael.”

The Divine Spark Within: You Were Created With Strength

When Hashem created Adam, He used earth from Har HaMoriah, the future site of the Beit HaMikdash. Embedded in every one of us is spiritual strength—a Divine spark capable of greatness.

Our sages teach that we should be:

• Strong like a lion

• Quick like a deer

• Modest like a cat

• Wise like an ant

We each possess these middot—especially in times of need. The acts of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) we see today across Israel reveal just how much inner koach Hashem has given us.

Bearing the Burden of Others: Nosei B’Ohl

Now more than ever, we must be Nosei B’Ohl im Chaveiro—to carry the burdens of others. That means:

• Davening with greater kavvanah

• Taking on new mitzvot

• Reaching out to someone lonely or grieving

• Bringing in Shabbat early or adding light to your home

These small actions are the greatest gifts we can offer in dark times.

Kotnot Ohr: Clothing of Light

After Adam and Chava sinned, Hashem clothed them in Kotnot Or—garments of skin. Yet Rabbi Meir, in his Sefer Torah, wrote it with an Alef: Ohr, garments of light.

Even in our moments of failure, Hashem wraps us in light. We must learn to see the rays of hope, achdus, and chesed shining all around us. That is how we bring light into the world.

Chodesh Cheshvan: A Time for Yeshua and Nechama

As we begin Chodesh Cheshvan, a month often called “bitter” for its lack of holidays, we remember that this too can be a month of sweetness, yeshua, and nechama.

May this message be a zechut (merit) for the aliyah of the neshamah of my dear husband, Ben Rebbe Yehudah.May we hear only besorot tovot—good news—from here on.

Chodesh Tov u’Mevorach. Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat, filled with light and meaning.

With love from New York,

R. Chavy Golovenshitz