Parashat Bereshit Hidden Lessons in the Creation Story

The Purpose Behind the Details of Creation

When we read about the creation of the world, we might wonder: why all the details? What is the Torah trying to teach us?

Consider the following:

• The separation of waters:Hashem separates the "upper waters" from the "lower waters," and we’re told that the lower waters protested, desiring to remain above. Hashem comforts them, promising they will have spiritual elevation later—through their use in the Beit HaMikdash for salt and water libations.

• The diminished moon:Originally, both the sun and the moon were created as great luminaries. But the moon questioned why two equal lights were needed. Hashem responded by diminishing the moon—yet we still depend on it for our calendar and its reflection of light.

What are we meant to learn from these episodes?

Hashem's World: A Design of Growth Through Boundaries

The Torah is not just recounting cosmic events—it’s speaking to our hearts. As Chazal teach, “The Torah speaks in the language of man.” Every part of creation, even the lifeless elements, has a lesson for us.

Hashem created a world of total perfection, like Gan Eden:

• Adam had everything provided.

• There was no need for toil or hardship.

• Only one commandment was given—not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

Yet even in a perfect world, Hashem set boundaries. Why?

Because man must become a partner in creation by striving for his own perfection.

Rain, for example, would not fall until Adam davened for it. Hashem wanted us to pray, to take initiative, to seek growth.

Lessons from the Moon and the Waters

These narratives symbolize spiritual truths:

The Moon:

• Was diminished, yet continues to reflect light.

• Teaches us: we don’t generate our own greatness. Like the moon reflects the sun, our success and light are reflections of Hashem’s blessings.

The Waters:

• Were divided—some rose, others fell.

• The lower waters longed to ascend again.

• Hashem rewarded that yearning:

  • Salt from water was placed on the mizbeach.

  • Water was poured on Sukkot in the Simchat Beit HaShoeva.

When we yearn for spiritual elevation—even if we’re “pushed down” in life—Hashem lifts us.

Tov Meod: Even the Yetzer Hara

On the sixth day, the Torah says:

"Vayar Elokim et kol asher asah, vehinei tov meod.""And Hashem saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good."

Chazal say: “Tov meod”—refers to the Yetzer Hara, to death, to pain. It’s shocking. But what it teaches is profound:

• Everything in creation has a purpose—even suffering and struggle.

• Hashem didn’t just create goodness—He created the tools for growth.

• The Yetzer Hara challenges us, but it also gives us the opportunity to choose good.

We may not understand pain now. But we live with emunah that:

Hashem’s plan is perfect, and one day we will see it clearly—with the coming of Mashiach.

A Story of Sacrifice and Divine Reward

In the spirit of new beginnings and engagement, I want to share a powerful story:

A Young Couple’s Test

A young couple had recently returned from living in Eretz Yisrael to America. The wife pleaded with her husband:

“Even if we’re in America, please continue learning in kollel. I’ll work. Just keep learning.”

But after a few months, financial pressures grew. The husband said he would have to find a job.

The wife suggested:

“Sell our unused furniture. My parents gave it to us, but we don’t need everything.”

They sold one piece and managed another month. Eventually, the husband said again, “I must start working.”

So she made a radical offer:

“Take my engagement ring. Go to the diamond district. Sell it. I want you to keep learning.”

The husband was shocked:

“But it’s your engagement ring! They say diamonds are forever!”

She insisted:

“Selling this for Torah is forever.”

A Miraculous Turn

He went to the diamond district. A dealer examined the ring and offered $2,000. Not much. But just as the deal was about to go through, the man asked:

“Why are you selling this?”

The husband explained. Moved by the story, the dealer said:

“My brother five doors down is a greater expert. Maybe he’ll give you more.”

What the husband didn’t know was that the dealer immediately phoned his brother and said:

“This man is selling his wife’s ring so he can continue learning Torah. Give him five times what it’s worth. I’ll pay most of it. We need to support this kind of mesirut nefesh.”

At the second store, the brother praised the ring:

“This is worth at least $10,000.”

The husband was in shock. The money was handed over, and as he turned to leave, the dealer called him back:

“You forgot something—the ring. Take it back. Tell your wife to wear it and never sell it again. In her merit, Hashem will surely bless your learning and your home.”

Final Thoughts

As we begin the Torah anew, we are reminded that:

• Hashem created us to grow.

• Even in a perfect world, He placed limits so we could develop.

• Challenges are not punishments—they are opportunities for greatness.

• The natural world is filled with spiritual symbolism that reflects our mission.

May we always strive to lift ourselves upward, like the waters. May we reflect Hashem’s light, like the moon. And may we merit to see the ultimate light, with the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days.

Wishing you all a wonderful, light-filled Shabbat.

Bereshit 2019