As we near the conclusion of Sefer Bereishis, I wanted to share a perspective on the sefer I haven’t seen or heard before.
Seemingly, the sequence and titles of the parshiyos in the sefer can be viewed as a sentence of sorts, promoting a simple and effective guide for one’s hishtadlus (efforts) and life goals.
בְּרֵאשִׁית: When we first arrive in this world, as newborns, then infants, toddlers and young people…
נֹחַ: We experience a form of menucha, as we are enveloped in the “teiva” of parental care. We don’t necessarily need to think about the next meal, getting a job or caring for another, but then as we age…
לֶך לְךָ: We go out for ourselves, experiencing small bursts of domestic and moral responsibility, whether in caring for ourselves, building and sustaining healthy relationships, striving to excel academically, or reconciling the secular world and the torah life we were born into…
וַיֵרָא: And, as we navigate life, as active and not passive participants, we see many things, but, most importantly…
חַיֵ-י שַׂרה: The ways in which people who promote Godliness in this world conduct themselves. These are our rabbonim, poskim, philanthropists, shluchim, rebbeim, mashpios, teachers, askanim and the like … and what is their chief concern?
תּוֹלדֹת: Not what they gain for themselves in this world, but rather, what they are leaving behind. And, now, having seen these shining examples of a Torah and chesed life…
וַיֵצֵא: You go out on your own, as an adult, having designated for yourself quality role models, with a new and different set of priorities, and hopefully…
וַיִשְׁלַח: You attempt to dispel with many of the vanities, empty pursuits and fleeting joys of this world, concentrating on your own personal growth and then, i”yH, as a parent, imbuing your children—via chinuch, appreciation and love—with the same perspectives…
וַיֵשֶׁב: You settle down and the work you’ve committed to and routines you’ve developed result in a sort of spiritual and emotional muscle memory.
מִקֵץ: In the end, after putting all the effort into being the best you possible and improving the world around you…
וַיִגַשׁ: You come closer to Hakadosh Baruch Hu via a genuine—not perfect—dedication to what he desires of you…
וַיְחִי: And you can finally say with confidence you are living a life.
Good Shabbos!
Yehuda Schupper is director of communications for New York State Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein. He lives in Hillside, New Jersey with his wife and children, and can be reached by emailing [email protected].
