BERESHITH 1:1 – 6:8
This week, we begin a new cycle of Torah study. Some may ask, “How is it possible to study a book that is over 3,000 years old so many times?” The answer is simple: the Torah of Moshé is eternal and forms the foundation of our existence as a people.
The first book of the Torah is called “Bereshith” in Hebrew, which the Western world knows as “Genesis.” The perashá of Bereshith begins in chapter 1, verse 1, and ends in chapter 6, verse 8. The divisions of the Torah portions were determined by the Sages in a strategic way to facilitate the memorization of the texts. On the other hand, the use of chapters and verses was introduced later during debates with Protestants to make it easier to locate specific passages.
The Torah begins in Hebrew with the phrase: “Bereshith bará Elohim et haShamáyim we’eth haAreṣ.” The word “Bereshith” is actually composed of two parts: the prefix “Beth” and the word “Reshith.” The letter “Beth” can be understood as “in,” “by,” “with,” or “for the purpose of.” Likewise, the word “Reshith” is always used in Scripture to denote a position of primacy. Therefore, one way to interpret the opening phrase is: “For the purpose of the Reshith, God created the heavens and the earth.”
This can be understood through the following example: in the thirtieth week of pregnancy, two parents eagerly awaiting their child prepare a room. For this purpose, they paint it, furnish it, and fill it with toys, music, and warmth. In the same way, the Creator—blessed be He—prepared everything for Adam haRishón (the first man). From this we learn how immense is the love that the Creator, praised be He, had when creating Humanity. Before we are even born, He already has us in mind. To some extent, Heaven directs our steps in matters of our life’s mission, our spouse, our income, and how many children we will have. How beautiful it is to know that God—blessed be His Name—gives us free will, while also creating a marvelous world for our benefit.
In chapter two, we see that man does not feel satisfied with Creation. Something very important was missing—a suitable companion. While studying the animal world, Adam saw that all the animals worked in pairs. Seeing that he had no one with whom to speak, argue, or reason, he felt incomplete. In fact, the Sages teach that an unmarried man is only half a man, for when the Creator—blessed be He—made Adam, He created them male and female. Moreover, a man who does not marry does not grow. Without a wife, he cannot bring forth children. And without children, he cannot fulfill the responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply,” contributing to a better society.
The formation of the Woman was one of the greatest gifts that God granted to Man. The Woman is the man’s chief counselor. Mishlé (Proverbs) expresses it this way: “A wise woman builds her home, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.” This principle has been demonstrated throughout the history of empires—where a woman, through her good or poor counsel, either established the empire or caused its downfall.
Finally, when the sixth day of Creation ends, the Torah highlights the day with the definite article—“yom haShishí,” the sixth day—whereas the other days are not given this form. This suggests that this day would serve as a microcosm of all the days of humanity upon the earth. Therefore, the secret to building a better society lies within “Yom haShishí.”