The Song of Nature
Parshat Bereishit
The connection of this selection to our parsha of Bereishit seems rather obvious. The opening words of this selection describe God as the “boreh hashamayim v’note’eihem, He Who creates the heavens and Who stretches them above,” a depiction that parallels the opening of the parsha itself, “Bereishit bara Elokim et hashamayim….”- “In the beginning of G-d’s creation of the heavens….”
But we would be remiss if we contented ourselves with this one explanation. Chazal chose this selection from the 42nd perek of Yishayahu because they saw in it more than one phrase, more than one concept, that connects the reading to the parasha. Indeed, a quick review of the haftarah will reveal a repetitive theme-that is, a description of the natural world and G-d’s mastery of it.
“Sing to Hashem, from the ends of the earth,” the prophet cries, “those who go down into the sea and those who fill it. The islands and their inhabitants, the wilderness and the cities will lift their voices. Those who dwell in the bedrock will shout from the mountain peaks.” Seas, islands, wilderness, cities, mountains, all who are there will praise G-d. In but a few verses, the prophet to describes so many of the wonders in Hashem’s creation. And it is this call for all to praise Hashem that teaches us a crucial lesson.
The psalmist reminds us (Tehillim 19;2) that “Hashamayim m’saprim k’vod kel…,” the wonders of nature reflect Hashem’s glory. In every sea, upon every mountain and within every bedrock, one can find G-d. Indeed, one who admires the world around him yet fails to recognize the hand of G-d in all that surrounds us, has failed a most basic expectation Hashem has from a person of faith. We cannot perceive G-d as He truly is; we can only understand His power and glory through the way He chooses to manifest them in this world. And this is precisely what the navi Yishayahu exclaims in his proclamation (pasuk 8): “Ani Hashem; hu sh’mi,” “I am Hashem; that is My name,” a puzzling statement, to say the least. However, as the Malbim points out, what Yishayahu is expressing is that mortal man can never understand the essence of G-d (“Hashem”); humankind can only see what He chooses to reveal to us in this world (“Name”). The challenge that faces us is: Do we truly perceive that which is right in front of us!
Chazal understood that the story of creation we read in this week’s parasha is not simply a story. It is a lesson of faith to all. G-d can be found wherever we look-if we understand what we see. This is the message the navi leaves for his generation and ours. It is an eternal message for all-Hashem is all around us. The question that only we can answer is: will we learn that lesson.
Rabbi Neil Winkler is the rabbi emeritus of the Young Israel Fort Lee and now lives in Israel.
