BERESHIT

GENESIS I:1-VI:8

THE GOD-MAN PACT

Every reading of the biblical texts is different. The text is immutable, the reader changes. Thus, the beginning of a new Torah (Pentateuch) cycle is a milestone in intellectual evolution

and spiritual of the Jew.

The challenge of the first chapters of Genesis does not disappear: it is the challenge of those who propose that the Torah is a composite based on primary texts. This fact stands out with the repetition of the story of the creation of the universe because, according to some, it represents an imprint of the texts that served the supposed human author or authors of the Holy Scriptures.

According to many traditional exegetes, there is a didactic reason for the two versions. While the first chapter is a general account of the origins of what surrounds us, the second chapter is specific: it concentrates on the history of man, who is the earthly point of reference of creation, and especially his unique relationship with the Creator: only the human being can enter into a mutual correspondence with God.  A brit, pact, which establishes obligations of both parties. 

The religious history of mankind refers to the structure and conditions of this brit, the

violations and the fulfillments that invariably have to do with that “covenant” with God. When the relationship with God is fractured, we find the seed of destruction, a fact that is increased with the unstoppable process of globalization, which has turned the globe into a village.

The Chachamim were attentive to textual difficulties, so they held serious discussions about the inclusion of some texts in the compendium of the Tanakh. In particular

The book of Esther raised the great question: Is it possible to insert into the Sacred Scriptures a text that does not mention God’s name? They decided in the affirmative because of the phrase: “Kiyemu Vekibelu Hayehudim Aleihem Veal Zaram Veal Kol Hanilvim Aleihem VeloYaavor Lihyot Osim“, “the Jews decided that they, their seed and all who joined them, should continue to observe scrupulously according to what was established…” 

The fulfillment of the instructions of Esther and Mordechai to the Jewish population was the decisive factor in the book of Esther being included in the canon of the Bible. In addition to the criticism that can be made with reference to the text, the influence that the writing has exerted in correcting and perfecting the disposition and moral attitude of society must be considered.

The Genesis account is majestic. Creation is not the result of a collision of wills between gods, or the product of cataclysms in the cosmos. The world is born as an expression of the will of God, who with the expression “Vayomer Elohim“, “And God said”, placed the idea and thought above any physical activity. 

Bereshit teaches that there is purpose in creation, not a universe in which chaos and uncertainty, whim and chance reign. There is a creator and therefore purpose and design coexist.

The location of the man and woman in idyllic Gan Eden shows a friendly nature that provides the fruit for sustenance. When this nature rebels, it can be trained or controlled, anti-seismic constructions can be made, for example. On the other hand, it is man himself who constantly endangers the existence of the human species because of his aggressiveness, a quality that is probably indispensable for growth and development, evolution and improvement, but which demands a very high price. Therefore, the Torahdemands that man’s conduct be governed by a set of laws that Judaism wisely teaches, according to a direct revelation from the Creator he received at Sinai

God could not abandon his creation in the hands of those beings whom he endowed with great

intelligence and whose potential can take the course of construction or destruction. To ensure the survival of the species and nature along with the flora and fauna it possesses, Mitzvah legislated  to ensure behavior that guarantees Yemot HaMashiach, an era of coexistence that will not be a consequence of the Will of God, but will be the product of the conviction of His last-minute creation.  on the sixth day: the human being.

MITZVAH: ORDINANCE OF THE TORAH IN THIS PARSHA

CONTAINS 1 POSITIVE MITSVAH

1. Genesis I:28 Procread and multiply (human beings)