Notable Sources
All Sources
A
In the BeginningTANAKH
In the Beginning
TANAKH
The initial act of creation by God is a foundational moment in the Torah, setting the stage for the entire narrative of the universe and humanity. The opening verses of Genesis describe the moment when God began to create heaven and earth, establishing the divine origin of all things.
The Central Point of CreationCHASIDUT
The Central Point of Creation
CHASIDUT
The creation of the universe began from a central point that contained the entire world in latent potential, and this creation process is continuously renewed by God. In his contemporary work, Zev Reichman explores mystical and philosophical concepts, emphasizing Jerusalem as the microcosm of the entire universe.
Unveiling the Mysteries of 'Bereishit'COMMENTARY
Unveiling the Mysteries of 'Bereishit'
COMMENTARY
The word 'בראשית' (Bereishit) in the Torah is packed with multifaceted meanings and allusions that offer profound insights into its deeper significance. Rabbeinu Bahya's commentary on the first word of the Torah explores its potential meanings through various letter rearrangements and allusions, reflecting the rich interpretative practices in Jewish scholarship.
The Profound Symbolism of 'Beit'MIDRASH
The Profound Symbolism of 'Beit'
MIDRASH
The letter 'beit' symbolizes profound concepts such as the limitation of human inquiry into the divine and the existence of two worlds. Bereshit Rabbah, a talmudic-era midrashic work on the book of Genesis, delves into the significance of Hebrew letters in the story of creation, offering deep symbolic meanings and theological insights.
Fortifying the Mind and HeartCHASIDUT
Fortifying the Mind and Heart
CHASIDUT
Just as the universe was created with intention and purpose, so too must we fortify our minds and hearts to live according to God's will. Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izbica, in his Hasidic commentary Mei HaShiloach, draws a profound parallel between the creation of the universe and personal spiritual development.
Angels and the Act of CreationCOMMENTARY
Angels and the Act of Creation
COMMENTARY
God is said to have created the angels on the second day to prevent any misconception that they assisted in the act of creation. The 18th-century commentary Or HaChaim by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar explores the unique order of creation in Genesis, emphasizing God's sovereignty.
Metaphors of CreationKABBALAH
Metaphors of Creation
KABBALAH
The six days of creation are metaphorically derived from the phrase 'In the beginning,' similar to how cedars come out of Lebanon. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, offers a mystical interpretation of the Torah, including the Book of Genesis.
Mystical Insights on CreationCHASIDUT
Mystical Insights on Creation
CHASIDUT
The word 'BeREIShYT' (in the beginning) may be mystically connected to 'YaREI BoSheT' (fear, embarrassment), linking it to prayer and the pre-Creation state. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, offers a mystical interpretation of the Torah's opening words, emphasizing the role of prayer.
The Hidden Brilliance of 'Bereishis'CHASIDUT
The Hidden Brilliance of 'Bereishis'
CHASIDUT
The word 'Bereishis' (In the Beginning) is considered one of the Ten Utterances of Creation, despite the absence of the phrase 'And He said,' possibly because its brilliance is too great to perceive. The Ba'al Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism, offers a mystical interpretation of the first word of the Torah, revealing its profound spiritual significance.
Divine Right to the LandMUSAR
Divine Right to the Land
MUSAR
Rashi explains that he Torah begins with the story of Genesis to establish Israel's divine right to the land of Israel. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, in his 17th-century work Shenei Luchot HaBerit, references Rashi, in his renowned 11th-century commentary on the Torah, to explain this justification.
Dividing the Torah Readings for Sunday's WatchTALMUD
Dividing the Torah Readings for Sunday's Watch
TALMUD
The division of Torah readings by the Israelite watches that supported the Temple watches on Sunday involves specific halachic considerations that are both intriguing and complex. Tractate Taanit, a part of the Talmud, discusses the rules for reading Torah portions, including the number of verses each person reads and the division of specific sections.
Heaven and EarthCOMMENTARY
Heaven and Earth
COMMENTARY
The fundamental distinction between heaven and earth as separate entities created by God is a cornerstone of Jewish thought. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' commentary on the final Torah portion, VeZot HaBerakha, delves into this profound separation and its implications.