As we open the Torah once again and begin the cycle anew with Parashat Bereshit, we are reminded that every end is followed by a beginning. The Torah starts with the most powerful words ever written:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” These words are not just the introduction to the Bible; they are the foundation of how we should view ourselves, our world, and our purpose.
The world was not created in an instant. God created the universe step by step, day by day, bringing order to chaos. First there was darkness and void; then came light, sky, land, vegetation, stars, animals, and finally, humankind.
This teaches us a critical life lesson: growth takes time. Change is not immediate. Whether we’re trying to build a career, strengthen our relationships, or grow spiritually, it’s a process. Each step matters, even if it feels small. God didn’t make the world in a blink—and neither will we build ours.
“And God created man in His image… male and female He created them.” This verse affirms the inherent dignity of every human being. To be created in God’s image, means that each of us carries divine potential. We are capable of creativity, kindness, moral choice, and bringing light into the world.
It also means we must treat others with respect—because they, too, reflect that same divine image. Imagine a world where we approached every person with that mindset. That’s the world Bereshit challenges us to create.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are given everything they need, but one commandment: don’t eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. And yet, they do.
This story is not just about disobedience. It’s about the human condition. We are free to choose. Free will is a gift—but it comes with responsibility. Every day we make choices: to build or destroy, to uplift or ignore, to speak truth or spread harm.
Bereshit calls us to be conscious of our choices. Mistakes will happen—just like in the Garden—but we are not defined by our failures. We are defined by how we respond, grow, and begin again.
The very first act of creation is the creation of light: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
Even before the sun or stars were created, there was light. A spiritual light. A light of clarity, hope, and potential.
This verse reminds us that our mission in life is to bring light into darkness—into confusion, loneliness, injustice, and despair. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply showing up for someone, we are called to be bearers of light.
Parashat Bereshit is not just the beginning of the world – it’s the beginning of your story, too. No matter what came before, the Torah begins again, and so can you. It’s an invitation to reset your mindset, your habits, your goals, and your faith.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen