Bereshit
2 Videos
Parashat Bereshit – Weekday Hebrew Torah Reading (Sephardic style)
3:39
Parashat Bereshit English reading
20:37
Parashat Bereshit – English reading
פרשת בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית – Genesis
Parashat Vayechi: Jacob’s Blessings
Parashat Vayigash: Reconciliation
Parashat Miketz: Dreams and Rise
Quick Guide: The Five Books of Moses
| Genesis | Exodus | Leviticus | Numbers | Deuteronomy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bereshit (1:1-6:8) |
Shemot (1:1-6:1) |
Vayikra (1:1-5:26) |
Bemidbar (1:1-4:20) |
Devarim (1:1-3:22) |
| Noach (6:9-11:32) |
Va’era (6:2-9:35) |
Tzav (6:1-8:36) |
Naso (4:21-7:89) |
Va’etchanan (3:23-7:11) |
| Lech Lecha (12:1-17:27) |
Bo (10:1-13:16) |
Shemini (9:1-11:47) |
Behaalotecha (8:1-12:16) |
Ekev (7:12-11:25) |
| Vayera (18:1-22:24) |
Beshalach (13:17-17:16) |
Tazria (12:1-13:59) |
Shelach (13:1-15:41) |
Re’eh (11:26-16:17) |
| Chaye Sarah (23:1-25:18) |
Yitro (18:1-20:23) |
Metzora (14:1-15:33) |
Korach (16:1-18:32) |
Shoftim (16:18-21:9) |
| Toledot (25:19-28:9) |
Mishpatim (21:1-24:18) |
Achare Mot (16:1-18:30) |
Chukat (19:1-22:1) |
Ki Tetze (21:10-25:19) |
| Vayetze (28:10-32:3) |
Teruma (25:1-27:19) |
Kedoshim (19:1-20:27) |
Balak (22:2-25:9) |
Ki Tavo (26:1-29:8) |
| Vayishlach (32:4-36:43) |
Tetzave (27:20-30:10) |
Emor (21:1-24:23) |
Pinchas (25:10-30:1) |
Nitzavim (29:9-30:20) |
| Vayeshev (37:1-40:23) |
Ki Tisa (30:11-34:35) |
Behar (25:1-26:2) |
Matot (30:2-32:42) |
Vayelech (31:1-30) |
| Miketz (41:1-44:17) |
Vayakhel (35:1-38:20) |
Bechukotai (26:3-27:34) |
Masei (33:1-36:13) |
Haazinu (32:1-52) |
| Vayigash (44:18-47:27) |
Pekude (38:21-40:38) |
V’Zot HaBeracha (33:1-34:12) |
||
| Vayechi (47:28-50:26) |
Parashat Bereshit, the first portion of the Torah, is a fundamental and rich text in Jewish tradition. It spans the first chapters of the book of Genesis, detailing the creation of the world, the origins of humanity, and the early stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs.
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.
Parashat Bereshit
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Parasha Number | The 1st Parasha in the Torah and the 1st in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit). |
| Parasha Name | Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית), meaning “In the beginning” in Hebrew, referring to the opening words of the Torah describing the creation of the world. |
| Torah Book | Genesis (Bereshit). |
| Number of Verses | Comprises 146 verses. |
| Number of Words | Approximately 2,425 words in the Hebrew text. |
| Primary Characters | Key figures include God, Adam, Eve, the serpent, Cain, and Abel. |
| Key Themes | Explores the creation of the world, the formation of man and woman, the concept of free will, the introduction of sin, and the beginning of humanity’s relationship with God. |
| Significant Events | The creation of the world in six days, the formation of Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, the first sin and exile from Eden, and the story of Cain and Abel. |
| Notable Quotes | “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) |
| Legacy | Parashat Bereshit lays the foundation of creation, the human experience, and the moral challenges humanity faces, setting the stage for the themes of the Torah. |
| Relevance Today | The themes of creation, purpose, responsibility, and moral choice continue to influence Jewish thought on the nature of humanity and our relationship with the divine. |
| Well-Known Stories | Creation of the world, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the first sin, and Cain and Abel. |
| Special Observances | Read at the beginning of the Torah reading cycle, often accompanied by discussions on creation, the nature of humanity, and the responsibilities of free will. |
| Connections to Texts | Bereshit introduces fundamental concepts developed throughout the Torah, including creation, covenant, sin, and redemption. |
| Theological Significance | Highlights themes of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), divine order, and human responsibility in God’s world. |
Bereshit
2 Videos
Parashat Bereshit – Weekday Hebrew Torah Reading (Sephardic style)
3:39
Parashat Bereshit English reading
20:37
Quick Guide: The Five Books of Moses
| Genesis | Exodus | Leviticus | Numbers | Deuteronomy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bereshit (1:1-6:8) |
Shemot (1:1-6:1) |
Vayikra (1:1-5:26) |
Bemidbar (1:1-4:20) |
Devarim (1:1-3:22) |
| Noach (6:9-11:32) |
Va’era (6:2-9:35) |
Tzav (6:1-8:36) |
Naso (4:21-7:89) |
Va’etchanan (3:23-7:11) |
| Lech Lecha (12:1-17:27) |
Bo (10:1-13:16) |
Shemini (9:1-11:47) |
Behaalotecha (8:1-12:16) |
Ekev (7:12-11:25) |
| Vayera (18:1-22:24) |
Beshalach (13:17-17:16) |
Tazria (12:1-13:59) |
Shelach (13:1-15:41) |
Re’eh (11:26-16:17) |
| Chaye Sarah (23:1-25:18) |
Yitro (18:1-20:23) |
Metzora (14:1-15:33) |
Korach (16:1-18:32) |
Shoftim (16:18-21:9) |
| Toledot (25:19-28:9) |
Mishpatim (21:1-24:18) |
Achare Mot (16:1-18:30) |
Chukat (19:1-22:1) |
Ki Tetze (21:10-25:19) |
| Vayetze (28:10-32:3) |
Teruma (25:1-27:19) |
Kedoshim (19:1-20:27) |
Balak (22:2-25:9) |
Ki Tavo (26:1-29:8) |
| Vayishlach (32:4-36:43) |
Tetzave (27:20-30:10) |
Emor (21:1-24:23) |
Pinchas (25:10-30:1) |
Nitzavim (29:9-30:20) |
| Vayeshev (37:1-40:23) |
Ki Tisa (30:11-34:35) |
Behar (25:1-26:2) |
Matot (30:2-32:42) |
Vayelech (31:1-30) |
| Miketz (41:1-44:17) |
Vayakhel (35:1-38:20) |
Bechukotai (26:3-27:34) |
Masei (33:1-36:13) |
Haazinu (32:1-52) |
| Vayigash (44:18-47:27) |
Pekude (38:21-40:38) |
V’Zot HaBeracha (33:1-34:12) |
||
| Vayechi (47:28-50:26) |
