Creation of the World: The parashah begins with the famous line, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” It describes the process of creation, with God creating light, separating the sky from the waters, forming land, and populating the earth with plants, animals, and eventually, humans. This narrative serves as the foundation for the Jewish understanding of the world’s origins.
Creation of Humanity: Bereshit also recounts the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans, in the image of God. Their story in the Garden of Eden, the temptation by the serpent, and their subsequent expulsion for disobedience are well-known narratives, exploring themes of free will, temptation, and consequences.
The Early Generations: The parashah continues with the genealogy of Adam and Eve’s descendants, highlighting figures such as Cain and Abel and the long-lived Methuselah. It discusses the spread of humanity across the earth, the development of early civilizations, and the growing divide between humanity and God.
Noah and the Flood: Parashat Bereshit also introduces the story of Noah and the great flood, a significant event in the Bible. Noah, a righteous man, is chosen by God to build an ark and preserve life during a catastrophic flood meant to cleanse the earth of its corruption. This story explores themes of righteousness, divine judgment, and renewal.
Tower of Babel: The parashah concludes with the Tower of Babel narrative, where humanity, in its arrogance, attempts to build a tower reaching the heavens. God responds by confusing their languages, leading to the dispersion of people across the earth. This story addresses themes of human ambition, pride, and divine intervention.
Key Themes: Bereshit is foundational to many key Jewish beliefs and practices. It introduces the concept of the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of rest and reflection. The parashah also explores themes of human nature, morality, and the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Relevance Today: Beyond its religious significance, Parashat Bereshit raises essential questions about the origins of life, the nature of humanity, and our relationship with the environment. It continues to be a source of reflection, sparking discussions about ethics, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In summary, Parashat Bereshit is a vital text in Jewish scripture, providing insights into the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and fundamental themes that continue to resonate with readers across different cultures and beliefs.
🕯 Bereshit & Spiritual Renewal
Sephardic tradition teaches that Bereshit is a time of spiritual renewal. Some communities recite special Tehillim (Psalms) and Pizmonim to begin the new Torah cycle with blessings for wisdom and success.
🎶 Melodies & Torah Reading
Sephardic Torah readers chant Bereshit using distinct maqamim (melodic modes). Many communities use Maqam Rast to reflect the majesty of creation.
🍯 Customary Foods
Some Sephardic families eat apples dipped in sugar or honey to symbolize the sweetness of Torah learning as they start Bereshit. Others serve dishes rich in pomegranates and dates, emphasizing creation and blessing.
📜 Sephardic Commentary & Insights
Chanted when taking out the Torah:
And this is the law which Moses commanded the children of Israel: the law which Moses commanded us, the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob: that they should walk in the way of the word of the LORD: the LORD is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.
Recite this blessing aloud before the Aliyah is chanted:
The name is with you.
The name blesses you.
Blessed be the LORD, who is blessed:
Blessed be the LORD, who is blessed forever and ever:
Blessed be the LORD, who is blessed forever and ever:
Blessed are you, O LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has chosen our children from all the peoples and given us his law. Blessed are you, O LORD, who gives the law: [Amen]
Recite this blessing aloud after the Aliyah is chanted:
Blessed are you, O LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has given us his law, the law of truth, and has planted eternal life within us. Blessed are you, O LORD, the giver of the law: [Amen]
Spanish-Portuguese custom
זַרְקָא֮ מַקַּף־שׁוֹפָר־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ סְגוֹלְתָּא֒ פָּזֵר גָּד֡וֹל
תַ֠לְשָׁא תִּ֩ילְשָׁא אַזְלָ֨א גֵּ֜רֵישׁ פָּסֵק ׀ רָבִ֗יעַ שְׁנֵי־גֵרֵישִׁ֞ין
דַּרְגָ֧א תְּבִ֛יר מַאֲרִ֥יךְ טַרְחָ֖א אַתְנָ֑ח שׁוֹפָר־מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ
קַדְמָא֙ תְּרֵ֨י־קַדְמִין֙ זָקֵף־קָט֔וֹן זָקֵף־גָּד֕וֹל שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת
תְּרֵי־טַעֲמֵ֦י יְ֚תִיב סוֹף־פָּסֽוּק׃
| Name | Symbol | Sephardi |
|---|---|---|
| Sof passuk | ב׃ | סוֹף פָּסֽוּק Sof pasuk |
| Etnachta | ב֑ | אַתְנָ֑ח Atnaḥ |
| Segol | ב֒ | סְגוֹלְתָּא֒ Segolta |
| Shalshelet | ב֓ | שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת Šalšeleþ |
| Zakef katan | ב֔ | זָקֵף קָט֔וֹן Záqéf Qáţown |
| Zakef gadol | ב֕ | זָקֵף גָּד֕וֹל Záqéf Ggádowl |
| Tifcha | ב֖ | טַרְחָ֖א Tarḥa |
| Rivia | ב֗ | רְבִ֗יע Revia |
| Zarka | ב֮ | זַרְקָא֮ Zarqa |
| Pashta | ב֙ | קַדְמָא֙ Qadma |
| Shene pashtin | ב֨ב֙ | תְּרֵ֨י קַדְמִין֙ Tere qadmin |
| Yetiv | ב֚ | יְ֚תִיב Yetiv |
| Tevir | ב֛ | תְּבִ֛יר Tviyr |
| Pazer | ב֡ | פָּזֶר גָּד֡וֹל Pazer gadol |
| Qarne farah | ב֟ | קַרְנֵי פָרָ֟ה Qarne farah |
| Telisha gedola | ב֠ | תִּ֠רְצָה Tirtzah |
| Geresh | ב֜ | גְּרִ֜ישׁ Gerish |
| Gershayim | ב֞ | שְׁנֵי גְרִישִׁ֞ין Shene gerishin |
| Munach | ב׀ | פָּסֵ֣ק׀ Paseq |
| Mercha | ב֥ | מַאֲרִ֥יךְ Maarich |
| Munach | ב֣ | שׁוֹפָר הוֹלֵ֣ךְ Shofar holech |
| Mahpach | ב֤ | (שׁוֹפָר) מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ (Shofar) mehuppach |
| Darga | ב֧ | דַּרְגָּ֧א Ddarggá |
| Kadma | ב֨ | אַזְלָ֨א or קַדְמָ֨א Azla or Qadma[18] |
| Telisha ketana | ב֩ | תַּלְשָׁא֩ Talsha |
| Mercha kefula | ב֦ | תְּרֵי טַעֲמֵ֦י Tere ta'ame |
| Yerach ben yomo | ב֪ | יֵרֶח בֶּן יוֹמ֪וֹ Yeraḥ ben yomo |
Blessing is recited before the reading of the Haftara:
Blessed are you, O LORD our God, King of the universe. Who chose good prophets. And pleased their words that speak truth. Blessed are you, O LORD. Who chose the Torah and Moses his servant. And Israel his people. And the prophets of truth and righteousness:
Berachot recited after the reading of the Haftara:
Our Redeemer is the LORD of hosts, the Holy One of Israel.
Blessed are you, O LORD our God, King of the universe. Creator of all the worlds. Just in all generations. The faithful God, who says and does. The one who speaks and fulfills, all his words are true and righteous: You are faithful, O LORD our God, and your words are faithful. And not one word of your words will return to you empty. For the God of the king is faithful and merciful: blessed be thou, O LORD. The God is faithful in all his words:
Have mercy on Zion, for she is the home of our life. And for the afflicted soul thou wilt save, and hast speedily rejoice in our days: Blessed art thou, O LORD. Make Zion rejoice in her children:
We rejoice, O LORD our God, in Elijah the prophet, your servant, and in the kingdom of the house of David, your anointed one. He will come quickly and save our children. No stranger will sit on his throne, and his glory will no longer be shared by others. For you swore to him by your holy name that his light would never be extinguished. Blessed are you, O LORD. David’s shield:
On Fast-days, the berachot end here.
On Shabbat, conclude with this beracha:
For the law, and for the work, and for the prophets, and for this Sabbath day, which thou hast given us, O LORD our God, to sanctify and to give rest, to honor and to praise: for all. O LORD our God, we will give thanks unto thee, and bless thee. Let thy name be blessed in the mouth of all flesh for ever and ever: Blessed be thou, O LORD. The sanctification of the Sabbath:
On Yom Tov, conclude with this berachah:
On the Torah and on the work and on the prophets (on the Sabbath and on this Sabbath day), and on the day:
on Passover: the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
on Shavuot:
the Feast of Weeks: on Sukkot: the Feast of Tabernacles:
on the Sabbath and on the Sabbath: the eighth day of the feast:
this: which the Lord our God has given us (on the Sabbath, for holiness and for rest) for joy and for gladness, for honor and for praise, above all. O LORD our God, we will give thanks to thee, and bless thee. Thy name shall be blessed in the mouth of all flesh for ever and ever: Blessed be thou, O LORD. The sanctuary (of the Sabbath and) of Israel, and the times:
On Rosh HaShana, conclude with this berachah:
For the Torah, and for the work, and for the prophets (for the Sabbath and for this Sabbath day) and for this memorial day, which you have given us, O LORD our God (for the Sabbath, for the holy and for the rest) for honor and for praise: for all. O LORD our God, we will give thanks to you and bless you. May your name be blessed in the mouth of all living forever and ever, and forever: Blessed be you, O LORD. The Holy (Sabbath and) Israel and the Day of Remembrance:
On Yom Kippur, conclude with this berachah:
For the Torah, and for the work, and for the prophets (for the Sabbath and for this Sabbath day) and for this Day of Atonement, which You have given us, O Lord our God (for the Sabbath, for holiness, and for rest), for healing, and for forgiveness, and for atonement, and for the remission of all our sins, for glory, and for praise: for all. O Lord our God, we give thanks to You and bless You. Blessed be thy name in the mouth of all flesh for ever and ever: and thy word is true, and endureth for ever: blessed be thou, O LORD. A king that forgiveth and forgiveth our sins, and the sins of his people the house of Israel, and that passeth away our iniquities from year to year, a king over all the earth, sanctifying the Sabbath and Israel, and the Day of Atonement:
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