Genesis: The First Lesson of the Bible

In our series “Israel in the Parsha”, Rabbi Moshe Lichtman launches into the first Torah portion, “Bereishit” from the first few chapters of Genesis.

This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Bereshit, covers the first chapters of Genesis, detailing the creation of the world and the early history of mankind. The parsha is divided into five chapters, each rich with profound teachings and insights.

The creation story unfolds over six days, with God creating different aspects of the universe each day. On the first day, light, water, and the heavens were created. The second day saw the creation of the firmament (rakia) separating the upper and lower waters. The third day brought forth dry land, oceans, and vegetation. On the fourth day, the celestial bodies were set in their places. The fifth day saw the creation of fish, birds, and sea creatures, while the sixth day culminated in the creation of land animals and, finally, humans.

The creation of Adam and Eve is described in more detail in the second chapter. God forms Adam from the dust of the earth and breathes life into him. Recognizing that it’s not good for man to be alone, God creates Eve from Adam’s rib. The chapter ends with the introduction of marriage, stating that a man leaves his parents to cleave to his wife.

The third chapter introduces the first sin. The cunning serpent tempts Eve to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge, and she shares the fruit with Adam. This act of disobedience results in punishments: the serpent is cursed to crawl on its belly, Eve is destined to experience pain in childbirth, and Adam must toil for his food.

An important interpretation from the Ramban (Nachmanides) is discussed, explaining that God created the world to share His goodness. The one commandment not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge was meant to be humanity’s test, allowing them to earn closeness to God. The sin introduced internal struggle, making it harder for humans to achieve their divine purpose.

The fourth chapter tells the tragic story of Cain and Abel, highlighting the consequences of jealousy and uncontrolled anger. The chapter also introduces the generations from Adam to Noah, showcasing the longevity of early humans who lived for hundreds of years.

The final section touches on the deterioration of humanity’s moral state, leading to God’s decision to bring the flood, with only Noah finding favor in God’s eyes.

The article concludes by sharing two important ideas:

1. The first Rashi commentary explains why the Torah begins with creation rather than laws, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over the land and His right to give it to whomever He chooses.
2. A teaching from Rabbi Leo Kitskin connects various concepts described as “reishit” (beginning) in the Torah, including Torah itself, the Jewish people, and the fear of God. This interpretation underscores the idea that the world was created for the sake of Torah and that repentance and fear of God are necessary for the world’s continued existence.

This parashat provides a foundation for understanding God’s relationship with the world and humanity, setting the stage for the rest of the Torah narrative.