Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Bereishis
Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section
is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person
"goes up" to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.
In the beginning G-d created separate and different creations. Each of these
separate and different creations has its own assigned purpose in being
created, and it is the universal responsibility of all creations to protect
each others divinely ordained right to accomplish their individualized
missions. If a creation hinders or interferes with another creation's purpose
for being created, the interfering creation is opposing the established order
of the Creator and His purpose in creating that specific creation.
The Creator provides all the necessary qualities and tools for each
separate and different creation to exist and attain its reason for being
created. Individual talents, rights, and ownership are the tools for
accomplishing the Creator's purpose in creating separate and different
creations. The need to protect these individual rights and qualities is as
evident in the proper functioning of the complex ecosystem of our world as it
is in the proper functioning of any human society. We must therefore conserve
the natural resources of our world and cherish the right of all people to have
what is theirs and be who they can be.
This mandate of "Intentionally Created Speciation" is a universal truth as
stated throughout Parshas Breishis. It began with the six days during which
Hashem created all things as separate and different, and concluded with the
creation of man, woman, and Shabbos as the most different and the most
glorious of all creation. It is our responsibility to embrace the reality of
"Speciation" and acknowledge through our actions the Creator and His purpose
for creation.
1st Aliya: The creation of the universe is detailed day by day concluding with the creation of Shabbos. Note the emphasis on Speciation throughout the
six day account.
2nd and 3rd Aliya: The creation of Adam and Chava and the story of Gan Eden is detailed.
4th Aliya: Adam and Chava are expelled from Gan Eden and the story of Kayin and Hevel is related.
5th, 6th, and 7th Aliyot: Chronologically, the time covered in Parshas Breishis is from year 1 (the creation of humankind) through the birth of Noach's three sons in 1556. The final three Aliyot list the 10 generations from Adam through
Noach that lived during that time, as well as the degeneration of man's
relationship with Hashem. It is important to note that Noach's generation was
the first generation not to have personally known Adam.
Parsha Summary by Rabbi Aron Tendler
