Weekly Dvar Torah: The Beginning All Over Again
Back to the beginning.
We start the Torah once again, Genesis, the story of creation, and it will take 15 weeks until we learn about the actual laws of the Torah.
Is not the Torah a book of laws, why spend 15 weeks till we get to the hardcore laws of Torah?
Let’s apply.
G-d created the world, because He wanted to unleash His unlimited infinite kindness, to us, limited finite mortals.
G-d created us, limited finite mortals, to make this limited mundane world, a dwelling place for Him the infinite Supreme Being.
For a flow of kindness channels must be open and free of obstacles or cracks, or the flow stops or leaks.
By doing our part we create vessels for G-d’s part, we invite G-d and the blessings and kindness come flowing.
But if we don’t dot all the i’s or cross all the t’s, will the flow clog, will the channels crack? Are we doomed the minute we fail?
15 weeks of history tell the tale, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Nimrod and the tower of babel, Sodom and Gomora, slavery in Egypt, 2600 years of ups and downs, G-d still shows His mercy and gives the world another chance.
Before G-d gives the rules, G-d says; I created the world to unleash My infinite kindness, I am not limited by logic and rules, My tolerance far surpasses anything and everything, even after a long bumpy road.
G-d then gives the blueprint for a smooth ride and a life of meaning, to keep the flow, but even if we fail He will wait us out and give us a chance to recover and make good.
Like when a baby starts their first steps, and the loving mother knows she will fall, yet she cheers her on encouraging every single step, regardless of all the falls.
This is empowerment, the greatest gift G-d gave us, first things first, I’ll be there for you at all times, but I also want you near Me because you are dear to Me, so please make Me a place amongst you, because I’ll always love you.
And which child doesn’t want to please their loving parent?!
The way we set out when we start Breshis (Genesis), so goes the rest of the year.
Make it a good beginning.
Have a great beginning,
Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
