In the opening chapters of Parshas Bereishis, we embark on a journey of creation, new beginnings and the endless possibilities that come with a fresh start. It’s a time when we’re filled with awe as we learn about the inception of the world, inspiring us to tap into our own creativity and reflect on the cycles of life. It’s a reminder that even when one chapter ends, another begins, often transforming endings into beginnings.
Amidst the profound teachings and narratives in this parsha, there’s an aspect of Hashem’s behavior that often goes unnoticed—the importance of taking pride in ourselves and celebrating our accomplishments. How often do we pause in our own lives to look back at what we’ve achieved, even when it’s not perfect, and give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back? What guidance does the Torah offer on positive reinforcement for our efforts in making the world a better place?
This week’s parsha provides a lesson from Hashem himself. It took a mere week for Hashem to create the world as we know it, but at the end of each day, we read that Hashem reviewed His work and essentially said, “I did good.” He took pride in His handiwork. On Tuesday, He even doubled down on it, reinforcing the belief in the auspiciousness of Tuesdays.
The Torah is known for its precision and economy of words. There isn’t an extra word or letter in the Torah. It is, therefore. most noteworthy that the Torah makes a point of instructing us that Hashem finished each day and reflected by affirming that he did well that day. Since we are all created in the image of Hashem, we should internalize this lesson. At the close of each day, although we may not have accomplished everything on our to-do list, we should take a moment to reflect on our achievements, pat ourselves on the back, and declare, “You know what? I did good today.”
Unfortunately, we often tend to do the opposite. We focus on the negative, both in ourselves and in others. Swift criticism can inflict psychic damage on our self-esteem and that of our loved ones. We may take our accomplishments and good deeds for granted, reacting more strongly to our less-than-ideal moments. Interestingly, Hashem, in His perfection, never criticizes Himself in the Torah.
A poignant story about the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek, emphasizes the power of a positive outlook. He often said, “tracht gut un vet zein gut” in Yiddish, which means “think good, and it will be good.” When we maintain a positive outlook and offer ourselves encouragement, our lives tend to improve, inching closer to perfection.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a renowned Chassidic master, often spoke about the power of finding something positive in every situation and maintaining a joyful disposition, even in challenging times. His famous saying, “Mitzvah gedolah lihyot b’simcha tamid, it is a great mitzvah to be in a state of joy always,” reflects his emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude.
As we embark on a new Jewish year, let us remember to uplift ourselves, our loved ones and our children. Let us not take the good in our lives for granted. Instead, let us always find a moment to say, “I did well.” By doing so, we invite more days of accomplishment and happiness into our lives, echoing Hashem’s act of celebration and pride in His own creations. In this way, we can truly embrace the lessons of Parshas Bereishis and make each day a testament to our own creative power and the blessings that come with it.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
