Parashat Bereshit: A New Beginning, A Renewed Mission

A Wedding Without a Bride: The Message of Continuity

Parashat Bereshit is a powerful reminder that every beginning is an opportunity for growth. Just as a groom who forgets his bride misses the very purpose of his celebration, so too we must ensure that our spiritual highs from the Yamim Noraim and Sukkot do not fade into memories, but rather fuel our day-to-day connection with Hashem.

We’ve just experienced fifty days of elevation—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah. These were not isolated events. They were designed to renew us, to bring us closer to Hashem. Now, as the year begins, our task is to carry the inspiration forward, to live with that same purity, enthusiasm, and joy in our daily lives.

Bereshit: A Beginning With Purpose

The word “Bereshit” is commonly translated as “in the beginning,” but Rashi famously explains that it also means “for the sake of the reshit”—for the sake of the Jewish people and the Torah, both referred to as reshit.

Why are we called reshit? Because the entire purpose of creation was for the Jewish nation to receive the Torah and fulfill the mitzvot. Every day, we are meant to begin anew—with energy, meaning, and awareness. Routine should never numb our avodah; rather, we should approach mitzvot like we’re encountering them for the first time.

The Letter Bet: Forward, Together, With Hope

Why does the Torah begin with the letter Bet? It is open on one side—forward—and closed behind. This symbolizes that we are to look ahead, not behind. No matter what mistakes we’ve made or glories we’ve experienced, today is an opportunity for something new, something better.

Bet also teaches another lesson: completeness comes with connection. Man is only whole when he is part of a pair, when he lives with others, helps others, and walks with Hashem.

Yeshu’a from Nothing: Emunah in Hashem's Power

The Torah tells us that the world was created yesh me’ayin—something from nothing. Only Hashem has this power. Human beings can shape and mold existing materials, but only Hashem can create from the void. This foundational emunah reminds us that Hashem can create miracles even when we see no path, no opening. He renews the world every single day.

Man’s Divine Soul: Our Unique Role

Man was created alone—to emphasize his uniqueness. Billions may walk the earth, but each one of us matters infinitely to Hashem. We were created with a divine soul, a neshama Elokit, and that soul makes us the centerpiece of creation. Even if we struggle, even if we feel small, we are individually desired by Hashem. We each have a mission that no one else can fulfill.

Messages in Creation: Learning from the World Around Us

The Midrash teaches us that everything in creation holds a message. The moon, which questioned how two kings can wear one crown, was diminished. But from that perceived loss came the Jewish people’s eternal symbol: growth through humility, light from darkness. That’s why we bless the moon every month—to remember who we are.

The trees, the waters, even the heavens and earth—each element of creation conveys a lesson, a moral, a divine hint. Hashem speaks to us not only through commandments but through the world He formed.

Six Days, Six Millennia: The Direction of History

The Ramban reveals a profound truth: the six days of creation parallel the six millennia of human history. Just as man was created on the sixth day, we too are now at the end of that cycle—nearing the year 6000.

This means we are approaching the era of Geulah, the final redemption. But it doesn’t have to take 6000 years. Hashem is ready to bring Mashiach when we are ready to receive him.

Man’s Purpose: To Serve and Protect

In Gan Eden, Adam HaRishon was given two commands: to work and guard the garden. Le’ovda u’leshomra. One positive, one negative. This reflects our mission in life: to embrace what Hashem wants us to do, and to restrain ourselves from what He asks us to avoid.

But the snake—the Yetzer Hara—comes in subtly, raising doubts, minimizing consequences, and inviting us to make “small” mistakes. And Hashem warns: “Lapetach chatat rovetz”—sin crouches at the doorway. Just a crack is enough for the Yetzer Hara to slip in.

The Power of Prayer: Asking Brings Blessing

Before Adam received rain or a wife, he had to ask for them. Tefillah was required to activate the blessing. From the very beginning of creation, Hashem built the world to run through our prayers. He wants us to ask, to yearn, to seek His help.

If we truly believe in the power of tefillah, we’ll turn to Hashem for everything. And when we do, He listens. He responds.

Conclusion: Bereshit—Our Personal Renewal

Parashat Bereshit isn’t just about the past—it’s about the now. The beginning of the Torah is the beginning of our story. A fresh year, a fresh month, a fresh day. A time to start again—with energy, with clarity, and with purpose.

Let us take with us the spiritual treasures of Tishrei. Let’s live each day with the awareness that we were created for greatness, with a divine soul, and a mission that only we can fulfill.

And may we merit to see the final creation—the Geulah Shleimah—soon in our days.

Bereshit 2020