Before* the Torah

CHAZAK CHAZAK V'NITCHAZEIK. We conclude the reading of the book of B'reishit this Shabbat, 12 long weeks since Simchat Torah when we read the Torah's account of Creation. 2309 years have passed from "Let there be light" until Yosef HaTzadik dies. (Contrast the 2309 year chronology of B'reishit with the 37 days of D'varim.)

The transition point between B'reishit and Sh'mot gives us pause to reflect on the book of B'reishit and its main lessons. It is important to remember that the Book precedes Matan Torah, which is recorded in Parshat Yitro and Mishpatim. It really does not take place before the Torah existed – because the Torah was the "blueprint"from which G-d created the universe. But it was before we received the Torah. Before we became a nation. And there are lessons to be learned, specifically in light of this "before the Torah period.

First there were people. People who were supposed to follow G-d's basic laws for the proper function of the world and society. And the people were supposed to get along with each other. When the world situation was so bad, G-d destroyed almost everything. And then came Avraham Avinu and Sara Imeinu, the progenitors of theJewish People. They had a Yitzchak to carry the beliefs and teachings on to the next generation. But there was a Yishmael as well. Then came Yaakov, but there was Eisav too. And finally Yaakov's sons, all of whom proclaimed before their father Yaakov that they were faithful and true to the beliefs and commitment of Avraham and Yitzchak.

But there was terrible friction between Yosef and his brothers, and this friction has survived (and at times, flourished) until this day.

This is one major theme, for us to ponder and for us to do something constructive and positive about.

And then there is the other theme. One that pervades the book of B'reishit and all of the Torah. And that is Eretz Yisrael. Avraham was sent there. He fled because of famine and he returned. Yitzchak never left the Land, and in that there is great significance. Yaakov was in and out, and we can see the effects of EretzYisrael and exile have on Yaakov and his family.

And then comes the going down into Mitzrayim, a prototype of exiles and oppressions to come. All this BEFORE we received the Torah. And there is a message in that fact the Torah tells us all the pre-Matan Torah stories. Let's call the lessons, pre-requisites to a Jewish Life. We must be decent humans (as in Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah). We must get along with our brothers. Not ignore differences. But put them into healthy perspective. And we must value Eretz Yisrael as THE place to live a full Jewish life. If Sh'mot is the book of Matan Torah, then B'reishit is the foundation.