B’REISHEET! בְּרֵאשִׁית “In the Beginning” — Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and the Coming of Messi

Shabbat Shalom and God bless! 🕊️🔥

This week’s Torah portion is B’REISHEET (בְּרֵאשִׁית), meaning “In the Beginning.”

The name comes from the opening words of Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

We are beginning the annual Torah reading cycle again, returning to the very foundation of the biblical story.

Before Israel, before Abraham, before the covenants, before the Exodus, and before the Temple, there was Adonai (God). He created the heavens and the earth, formed humanity in His image, established humanity’s purpose, and created a world that was good.

But B’reisheet also introduces us to the tragedy of sin. Adam and Eve’s disobedience and humanity’s separation from its Creator. Violence spreads through the earth, and the world moves toward judgment. Yet though it all the Lord has a plan of redemption.

And hidden within these opening chapters is the beginning of a promise that will unfold throughout the entire Bible: that is someone will come from Eve’s line who will ultimately crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).

From a Messianic perspective, this is where we begin to trace the story of redemption that ultimately leads us to Yeshua the Messiah.

We will also read from 1 Samuel 20 about an episode of David where he faces danger from King Saul, and Matthew 24 where Yeshua speaks about His coming, the need for watchfulness, and the importance of being prepared for His return.

Together, these readings show us God’s original purpose for creation, humanity’s rebellion and the hope of redemption, and the call to remain faithful and watchful as we await the coming of Messiah.

Today we will be reading:

📖 TORAH: Genesis 1–6.

📖 PROPHETS: 1 Samuel 20:18–42.

📖 GOSPEL: Matthew 24:29–44.