Parshat Bereishit

THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD…By: Olivia P. ‘18

What is Parshat Bereishit about?

Parshat Breishit talks all about how Hashem created the world. It talks about each day and what was created that day.

Day 1• Before the universe was created, there

was nothing.• On the first day Hashem created light.• The commentators say that this was no

ordinary light, but a spiritual light. It was a special light that good people could benefit from, but is withheld from wicked people.

Day 2

• On this day, Hashem separated the water above and below, creating heaven and earth.

• At the end of this day it does not say “and it was good” like it does with all the other days.

• Commentators say that was because good can only be described as something finished, and this was finished on day three.

• Some say that it was because this day symbolized separation, and that is never good.

Day 3

• On the 3rd day, land was separated from water.

• The perek says that land was separated from water and that trees, flowers, grass, and everything else that grows from the land were also created this day.

Day 4 and Day 5• On day 4, the moon and stars were created.

Many kids learn that the planets and the like were also created on this day, but we don’t know if that is true. The Torah never talks about that.

• On day 5, the oceans and seas were filled with water and the fish and birds were created.

Day 6 and after Day 7 • On day 6, Hashem created man and animal.• To make a man, Hashem took dust, turned it into

man, and gave him a soul.• Hashem told Adam that he could eat from any

tree in the Garden of Eden except for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad.

• To make a woman, Hashem took part of Adam’s side and made Chava.

Day 6 and after Day 7 (continued)• Chava was tricked by a serpent (a snake) to eat

from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad and then Chava got Adam to eat from it.

• They had several punishments:– Kicked out of Gan Eden– Have to work hard– Women would from then on have difficulty with

birth

Day 6 and after Day 7 (continued)• The Torah uses the term “ezer kenegdo” which

Rashi explains as this:– If Adam is worthy, Chava will help him.– If Adam is unworthy, Chava will be against him.

Day 7• On day 7, Hashem rested.• Like an artist, Hashem needed to

“step back” and look at what He had created.

Hashem, “Not too bad”

Kain and Hevel

• Adam and Chava had two sons, Kain and Hevel. Kain and Hevel were farmers.

• Both of them brought sacrifices to Hashem.

• Kain brought some of his produce and Hevel brought of his best sheep.

Kain and Hevel

• Hashem favored Hevel’s sacrifice and Kain was jealous. Kain killed his brother Hevel.

• Kain from then on failed at whatever he did.

THE END