01 - Torah Portion: B'reishit (בְּרֵאשִׂית) ("In the Beginning")
Portion Summary:
In this first week's portion, B'reishit opens the Torah with the account of Creation. The text reveals YHVH's creative power in forming Shamayim (heavens), Adamah (earth), and all living creatures, culminating in the creation of humanity in YHVH's image. Genesis chapters 1 through 6 narrate the beginning of the world, the story of Adam and Havah, the fall, and the genealogies that lead up to Noah. Key themes of creation, the nature of humanity, the consequences of sin, and the hope of redemption are introduced, laying the foundation for all subsequent scripture.
The Torah scrolls are the oldest and most sacred of all Israelite scriptures, containing the five books of the Hebrew text. The first week's reading, B'reishit, means "In the Beginning." The English name Genesis comes from the Septuagint (70), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The word Genesis means "Origin," so the Greek title for the first book of the Bible is "The Book of Origins."
Genesis describes the origins of everything. It begins with the origins of Creation, then focuses on the origins of mankind and their sinful (selfish) nature, the transgressions of the Watchers, and the birth of the Nephilim (children of fornication). This portion also addresses the origins of the nation of Israel.
Prayer:
Blessed are you, Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has given us your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life through Y'shua our Messiah. Blessed are you, YHVH Eloheinu, Adonai, King of Creation.
Torah Readings:
Genesis 1 – YHVH creates the firmament, adamah, light, land, seas, sun, moon, stars, and creatures, culminating with the creation of humanity (Adam and Havah) in His image.
Genesis 2 – The creation of man and woman, focusing on the Garden of Eden and the command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3 – The serpent tempts Havah; Adam and Havah eat the forbidden fruit, leading to sin, separation from Elohim, and eventual physical death.
Genesis 4 – The story of Cain and Abel. Cain's offering is rejected, leading to the first murder.
Genesis 5 – Genealogy from Adam to Noah, showing the passage of time and the human lineage.
Genesis 6 – Humanity's corruption increases; the Nephilim (giants) appear. YHVH prepares to send a deluge but spares Noah.
Nevi'im (Prophets) Readings:
Isaiah 8:20 – Calls for adherence to YHVH's Torah and testimony.
Isaiah 12:2-3 – Hymn of praise for YHVH's salvation and deliverance.
Isaiah 42:1, 10, 21 – Prophecies of YHVH's servant bringing justice to the nations.
Isaiah 43:1 – YHVH reassures Israel of His love and redemption.
Writings:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 – The cyclical nature of human experience.
Proverbs 4:18-19 – The righteous walk in light; the wicked stumble in darkness.
Proverbs 6:23 – YHVH's commandments are a source of life.
Gospels & Epistles:
John 1:1-5 – Y'shua as the Word, through whom all was created.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – Reconciliation through Y'shua.
Romans 5:12-21 – Contrasts Adam's sin with Y'shua's redemptive obedience.
Apocrypha:
2 Esdras 6:1-6, 42-46 – Creation and YHVH's sovereignty.
2 Esdras 14:20-22 – Reflection on creation, sin, and redemption.
Themes & Reflections:
The Nature of Creation: Humanity is created in YHVH's image, endowed with responsibility and relationship with the Creator.
Sin & Separation: The fall led to humanity's separation from YHVH.
Covenant & Redemption: YHVH's promise of redemption culminates in Y'shua.
Light & Darkness: The contrast between good and evil, truth and deception.
Study Questions:
How does this week's Torah portion relate to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?
Which readings stood out to you the most?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portion?
How does this apply to our lives today?
Ending Prayer:
May YHVH bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may His peace be upon you, now and forever. Emunah
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