בראשית ברא אלהים את־השמים ואת־הארץ
These five words are the opening verse of the entire Torah. There is much debate among rabbinic commentators as to how these opening words should be translated, in fact—in many ways—the word B’reishit is a grammatical nightmare. To enter into this debate, please join us for Torah study Saturday morning at 9:30 am!
With 449 unique entries of rabbinic commentary on this verse alone, this verse, as Rashi explains “cries out ‘drash me!’” Which is to say, this verse begs to be explored. Allow me to add yet another comment on this verse as we enter into the Torah’s new year!
The five books of Torah have very specific over arching themes and I have noticed that these themes correspond logically and nicely with the first five words in the Torah. B’reishit, the beginnings, Exodus corresponds with Bara—the word for divine creation—aptly describes the creation of the Jewish people in the book of Exodus. Elohim, the name for God associated with justice can easily be related to the book of Leviticus, the source of law and thus God’s Judgment. The book of Numbers is the story of God dwelling among the people, literally heaven on earth which makes the fourth word correspond nicely with Ha’shamayim or Heaven in Hebrew. Finally, the word Haaretz, which means “the land” is a perfect word to describe Deuteronomy, the final book, which spends the majority of the time preparing Israel to enter into the Promised Land.
I have many more thoughts on this subject and look forward to learning with you all on Saturday morning!