Kevin Bemel ·
Why Blessing is Your Destiny
Parsha [Passage of Scripture] Nugget [Precious Idea] Bereishis – Genesis 1:1-6:8
How often have you prayed for abundance? Whether it’s a longer life, additional children, or more wealth, increasing what we have seems to be the natural way of things. Did you know that is how G-d created the world? Parshas Bereishis explains:
“In the beginning of G-d creating the heavens and the earth….” (Genesis/Bereishis 1:1)
The parsha for this Sabbath is the first of the new cycle, Bereishis. In it is the story of creation, how Adam and Eve sinned and were thrown out of the Garden of Eden, the conflict between Cain and Abel, and the ten generations between Adam and Noah. Isn’t it wonderful to be reading the great stories of the Torah again?
The first word of the Torah, bereishis (which means “in the beginning”), begins with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, beis. You would think G-d would begin the creation story with the first letter, aleph. That He didn’t gives a clue about how the world works.
The World is Created for Blessing
One of the words most closely associated with the letter aleph is arirah, which means “cursing.” Had the Creator begun the Torah with an aleph, the natural state of the world would be affliction. By starting the Torah with a beis, which is the first letter of berachah, the Almighty chose to make the natural state of the world blessing.
So if G-d decided to begin the Torah with blessing, why not do so with the actual word berachah instead of alluding to it with the word bereishis?
When the Creator “speaks” His words become reality. If He was explicit with the word berachah, there could be no misfortune or challenges for humans to overcome, thereby removing our free will. By building the world on the potential for blessing, the Almighty incentivizes people to do good work, help each other, so as to merit His blessing.
Creating Abundance
Notice the connection of creation and blessing yields abundance. The heavens are expansive and the waters swarm with creatures. G-d blesses all living things to be fruitful and multiply. Knowing that the foundation of the world rests on this blessing should give you confidence that despite your challenges, if you persevere you will eventually receive abundance.
Of course, there is a catch. Like the creator, you have to take a hand in creating it. What do you need to do? Use the gifts G-d has given you to your utmost. Find the most productive avenue and pursue it. Note that first, the Almighty planted seeds. Then when the rain came plants grew. So too, you must consistently sow. When conditions are right your abundance will sprout.
Question – What frustrates you most about having to be patient while waiting for blessing?
You can leave a comment on this question or ask another question below ↓
Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. Its name comes from the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.
Do you have a question about the Old Testament? Ask it here and I will answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!
