In this episode, we begin our journey through the Torah with Parsha Bereshis, the very first chapter of the Torah. This parsha sets the stage for everything that follows, telling the foundational story of the creation of the world. "Bereshit" or "Bereshis," meaning "In the beginning," describes how God created the heavens, the earth, light, and all living beings in six days, culminating in the creation of humanity.

From the creation of light to the formation of the first humans, Adam and Eve, we see the beauty of a world created with purpose and intention. This parsha also introduces the concept of free will, as Adam and Chava (Adam and Eve) are placed in the Garden of Eden and given the responsibility to care for it, yet faced with the choice to obey or disobey God's command.

But the story doesn't end in paradise. Parsha Bereshis also tells of the first human failure, when Adam and Chava eat from the Tree of Knowledge, leading to their expulsion from Eden. This moment, often referred to as "The Fall," has profound implications for human nature and the experience of suffering, yet it also points toward hope and the possibility of redemption.

In this episode, we reflect on the key lessons of Parsha Bereshis — the relationship between humanity and the divine, the importance of stewardship of the earth, and the complexities of choice, responsibility, and consequences. Whether you're hearing the creation story for the first time or revisiting it, the teachings from this parsha offer timeless insights into our own lives and the world around us.

Rav Yehuda Cahan taught this lesson in Oct. 2023.