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Genesis 1:1 - Divine creation starts time.

Genesis 1:1 - בראשית 1:1

Hebrew Text

בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

IN THE BEGINNING God created the heaven and the earth.

Transliteration

Bereishit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

<big>בְּ</big>רֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Opening of Creation

The verse "בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ" ("In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth") serves as the foundational statement of the Torah, establishing Hashem as the sole Creator of all existence. Rashi (Genesis 1:1) explains that the Torah begins with creation to affirm Hashem's sovereignty over the world, particularly in response to those who might deny His authority. The term "בְּרֵאשִׁית" ("In the beginning") does not imply that time existed beforehand, but rather that time itself was brought into being with creation.

The Meaning of "בָּרָא" (Created)

The verb "בָּרָא" (created) denotes ex nihilo (creation from nothing), as emphasized by Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (2:13). Unlike human acts of making or forming, which repurpose existing materials, Hashem's act of בְּרִיאָה (creation) signifies bringing something into existence without any prior substance. The Ramban (Nachmanides) further elaborates that this initial creation included the raw, unformed matter ("תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ") from which the universe was later shaped.

Heaven and Earth: Dual Realms

The pairing of "הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ" ("the heaven and the earth") represents the totality of creation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 1:14) teaches that "heaven" refers to the spiritual realm, including the angels and divine throne, while "earth" signifies the physical world. The Vilna Gaon notes that this duality underscores the harmony between the spiritual and material, both of which are sustained by Hashem's will.

Grammatical Nuances

  • אֵת: The word "אֵת" (a direct object marker) is interpreted mystically by the Zohar as alluding to the hidden forces and letters through which creation was enacted.
  • אֱלֹהִים: The name "אֱלֹהִים" (God) denotes divine judgment, as per the Talmud (Chagigah 12a), indicating that creation was balanced with strict justice from its inception.

Purpose of the Narrative

As the Sforno explains, the Torah begins with creation to establish humanity's responsibility toward the world. Since Hashem created and owns everything, human beings are stewards obligated to uphold justice and morality. This aligns with the Mishnah (Avot 3:14), which states that the world was created for Torah and righteous deeds.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 12a
The verse is discussed in the context of the creation of the world and the order of creation.
📖 Megillah 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Greek translation of the Torah and its accuracy.
📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of God's creation and the uniqueness of humanity.
📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the importance of the first words of the Torah and their significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth' mean?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem (God) created the entire universe from nothing (yesh me'ayin). Rashi explains that the Torah begins with creation to establish Hashem as the ultimate Creator and Owner of the world, giving Him the right to set the laws by which we should live.
Q: Why does the Torah start with the story of creation?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that the creation story establishes the foundation of our faith - that Hashem is the Master of the universe. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) adds that this comes to counter those who might deny Divine creation, showing that everything belongs to Hashem and follows His will.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 1:1 about how to view the world?
A: This verse teaches us to see Hashem's hand in everything. The Sforno explains that since Hashem created heaven and earth, we must recognize His wisdom in all aspects of creation. This leads us to appreciate nature as God's handiwork and inspires us to serve Him through studying His world.
Q: Why does the verse mention both heaven and earth?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) explains that this teaches us Hashem created both spiritual realms (heaven) and physical existence (earth). The Zohar adds that this shows the unity between upper and lower worlds - that our physical actions can affect spiritual realities.
Q: How does Genesis 1:1 relate to us today?
A: This verse reminds us daily that Hashem created and continuously sustains the world (hashgacha pratis). The Rambam (Maimonides) writes that recognizing God as Creator is the first of the 13 Principles of Faith, fundamental to Jewish belief. It gives purpose to our lives as partners in improving Hashem's world.