Parashat Bereshit 5784

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Once again, on Simchat Torah, we began Sefer Bereshit, the book of Genesis, with Parashat Bereshit. At the same time that we began our reading of Bereshit, we were also beginning a new stage in the history of the Jewish people, with the most recent conflict in Israel. The world seems to once again be in a state of tohu vavohu, chaos, as was described in the creation story in Parashat Bereshit. God created the world, but did not fully complete that creation. It is our job and responsibility to help in creation. It is our job to realize that every day and every interaction is an opportunity to be partners with God in creation, making this world a better place. Especially now, when it is so difficult to see the chaos and utter evil in the world, we must step above it all, and be better people. It is our responsibility to take care of each other, and embody the concept that we are responsible for each other. While watching the news, we often feel out of control. What can we control? Making sure we are good people and remembering that it is our job to be partners with God in creation, each and every day.