Parashat Bereshit

New Beginnings

If we want to create a more inclusive Jewish community, we have to start now.

By Rabbi Kerry Olitzky

This commentary is provided by special arrangement with the Jewish Outreach Institute, an organization dedicated to creating a more open and welcoming Judaism. To learn more, visit www.joi.org.

 

There are few beginnings that are not truly difficult. They demand of us a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation, forcing us out of our complacency. Most beginnings require courage and fortitude. God created this world out of nothingness, says this week's Torah portion. It was tohu vavohu­--a dark chaotic nothingness. The mystics say that since God fills the entire universe, God had to contract the Divine self in order for the world to have been created.

 

We are at a time of new beginnings in the Jewish community. The New Year has just started, and a new cycle of Torah readings, as well. The rhythm of Jewish life is unique for in it is the simultaneous action of forging ahead while holding on to the past.

 

What we do this year--as with every year in the journey of the Jewish people--will determine our future. Each step we take does make a difference. The ingredients for such a rich and vibrant community are before us. The Rabbis teach that humankind is obligated to finish the creation of the world, started by God, as noted in Genesis. So if we want to create a more inclusive Jewish community, we have to begin now. We need only finish the creation already started.

 

Rabbi Kerry Olitzky is the author of many inspiring books that bring the wisdom of Jewish tradition into everyday life. He most recently co-authored 20 Things for Grandparents of Interfaith Grandchildren to Do (And Not Do) to Nurture Jewish Identity in Their Grandchildren and Jewish Holidays: A Brief Introduction for Christians.