10/21/2011

Parashat 1 - Bereshit – In the beginning.

Bereshit (Gen) 1:1 – 6:8
YHVH looked into the Torah and created the world. Man looks into Torah and sustains the world. (Zohar)

With its opening statement, the Torah is establishing that it is not merely a rulebook, a list of things to do or not to do. It is YHVH's blueprint for creation, our guide for realizing the purpose for which everything in heaven and earth was made. Every creature, object and element, every force, phenomenon and potential, every moment of time, was created by YHVH toward a purpose. Our mission in life is to discover and submit to this purpose.

Speaking of Moshiach the Apostolic scriptures state:
Col 1:16  Because in Him (not “by him”) were created all that are in the heavens and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulerships or principalities or authorities – all have been created through Him and for Him.
Col 1:17  And He is before all, and in Him all hold together.
Col 1:18  And He is the Head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that He might become the One who is first in all.
Col 1:19  Because in Him all the completeness was well pleased to dwell,
Col 1:20  and through Him to completely restore to favour all unto Himself, whether on earth or in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of His stake.

Blessing for the Torah:
Baruch atah YHVH, Eloheynu, Melech ha-O’lam, asher bachar banu m’kol ha-amim,v’natan lanu eht Torah-to. Baruch atah YHVH, noteyn ha-Torah. Ameyn.”

(Blessed are you, YHVH, our Elohim , King of the Universe, you have selected us from among all the peoples, and have given us your Torah. Blessed are you, YHVH, giver of the Torah. Ameyn.)

Torah Readings:
1.      1:1-13
2.      1:14-23
3.      1:24 – 2:3
4.      2:4 – 3:21
5.      3:22 – 4:26
6.      5:1-24
7.      5:25 – 6:8
8.      Maftir: 6:5-8
Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5 – 43:10

Aliyah Rishon 1:1-13
Ber/Gen 1:1  In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.

The very first letter in the Torah is the letter “beit” This “”beit” is an enlarged “beit” and gives rise to speculation as to its hidden meaning. I personally believe all the “yots and tittels” point to the Messiah. YHVH was preparing a “house” or “beit” for Moshiach and his “kehelah” his bride. “Beit” also means “two” and could be a possible reference to the belief that in this world is the one house in which we are being prepared for seven thousand years to be able to live in the next house, the New Yersushalayim for ever and ever.