* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
We are living through unsettling, turbulent, and emotional times, and yet, even now, we have an anchor to hold on to. This Shabbat we will begin to read the Torah from the beginning, and it is an opportunity that should not be missed.
Immediately following Simchat Torah, we restart the most fundamental study cycle in Judaism, the weekly parasha (portion), and this week we will start from the very beginning with Parashat Bereishit. The opening verse of the Torah reads: “When God began creating heaven and earth…” and from there it moves forward.
Each parasha is divided into seven sections, one for each day of the week. It is customary to study each section of the parasha along with the commentary of Rashi, the most well-known Torah commentator, and thus we progress from parasha to parasha throughout the year.
The parasha is read publicly each week on Shabbat morning in the synagogue but, throughout the Jewish world, it is traditional to study the parasha all week long, regardless of a person’s age or circumstances.
You can study the parasha on your own, with your spouse, parents, or grandparents, or you can choose a “chavruta”—study partner—from among your wider circle of acquaintances. You can find the parasha on Google or purchase a Chumash that includes Rashi and other Torah commentators. You just need to make an effort, to dive in— and then you will soar.
When we learn Torah, we are not studying history; we are learning about our current reality. The Torah is about us and is addressed to us. Taking a few minutes to study Torah on a regular basis will add meaning and holiness to you entire day, which is especially relevant during these challenging times.
We are starting again from Bereishit—from the beginning— and I invite you to come along on the journey.
