* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
After Simchat Torah and Oct. 7, Shabbat is approaching. This Shabbat we will read Parashat Bereshit, the first parasha of the Torah. Our Sages explain that this is a special Shabbat because it is a Shabbat of renewal, on which we are given the opportunity to open a new page and set the spiritual tone for the entire year.
Rav Yosef Yitzhak Schneersohn (the sixth rebbe of the Chabad movement) wrote the following about this Shabbat:
“The Shabbat known as ‘Shabbat Bereshit’ impacts the entire year: every day of the year—weekdays, Shabbatot, and festivals— as well as private occasions—all derive their light and energy from Shabbat Bereshit.”
I invite each of you to consider what this Shabbat will look like for you, and how you will prepare for it and make it special.
May you have a Shabbat Shalom, a Shabbat of new beginnings.
