Weekly Parsha

Thank you for participating in this event by donating to our ISRAEL EMERGENCY FUIND. May HaShem HaKadosh Baruch Hu Bless you in every way.

Let's pray for the "Refuah Shleima" (speedy recovery) of " our people in Israel". May G-d deliver us from this crisis speedily and grant a complete recovery to those who are ill, Amen!

Refuah Sheimah: Chaim Moshe ben Esther, Yehuda Baruch ben Sarah, Stephen Waczkiewicz (Shimon ben Sarah), Yossefa (Josie) "bat Sharon", Rafael ben Gladis e Esther Bracha "bat Sarah".

Continue praying for: Teddy Welz, Miriam (Mariana) "bat Zulay", Adina (Heidi) "bat Sarah" e Yosefa (Josie) "bat Sharon".

Bereshit 1:1 - 6:8

The Five Books of Moses begins with the Six Days of Creation, the Shabbat, the story of the Garden of Eden -- the first transgression, consequences and expulsion; Cain & Abel, the ten generations to Noah, the Almighty sees the wickedness of man in that generation and decrees to "blot out man" (i.e. the flood).

One of the most profound verses in the whole Torah is "And G-d created man in His own Image." Since G-d does not have a physical being, this means that we are endowed with free-will, morality, reason and the ability to emulate God Who bestows kindness. Also, if we really appreciate that we are created in the image of G-d, we realize that we have intrinsic worth. Therefore, there is no need to be depressed wondering if you have intrinsic worth!

"For you are dust, and to dust shall you return" (Gen. 3:19).

This verse states the mortality of man. However, it should be remembered that it was only the body of man that was formed from dust. Man's neshamah (soul) is the breath of G-d: "And The Almighty formed the man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils the soul of life (Gen. 2:7). Just as the body returns to its origin of dust, the neshamah returns to its origin in G-d. Only the body is mortal. The neshamah is eternal.

Man's uniqueness is not in his body, which is quite similar to the bodies of animals. Man's distinction is his neshamah, which sets him apart qualitatively from other living things. Is it not both ironic and tragic that most people care a great deal for their body, that which is animal-like, and relatively little for their neshamah, which is really the essence of a human being? We shouldn't wait until we get to heaven to realize the relative insignificance of the body and the primacy of the neshamah.

"And the earth was desolate and void, and darkness was upon the waters ... and the Almighty said, 'Let there be light' and there was light." (Genesis 1:2,3).

What insight into living can we learn from this?

These verses at the beginning of the Torah serve as a tremendous inspiration in times of darkness. At the beginning of creation, the world was completely dark without even the faintest hint of any light. One cannot chase away darkness with sticks and axes. However, just kindle one small match and the darkness is gone.

When the entire world is in total darkness, one statement of the Almighty, "Let there be light" is sufficient to light up the whole world! This idea is taught to young children as soon as they begin studying Torah. Although there are times when the world is encompassed by a spiritual darkness which endangers its very existence, there is always hope. In one instant the Almighty can send forth His word and there will be a great light.

Whenever you feel despair it is because you tell yourself that things are presently awful and that all is hopeless. At such moments you do not feel it possible that there will be a bright future. If, however, you keep in mind that the Almighty has the power to shine forth a magnificent light, you will overcome your negative attitude of despair. From the bottom of your heart you will call upon our Creator to shed light upon the world

Even before the light appears, you will be full of hope. You realize that the darkness itself is part of the Almighty's plan. Whenever you feel darkness, develop the habit of repeating, "Let there be light." Just by repeating these words over and over you will begin to feel the light of the Almighty penetrating your heart and soul. Even if your personal situation remains as it is, when you experience the Almighty's light you will have the strength to deal with any situation from a position of spiritual strength. The salvation of the Almighty comes in the blink of an eye!

There is no greater disease than the loss of hope. Impediments were given to us to overcome, not to wallow in.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.

May Klal Yisrael be blessed with a good year in every way!  

May the New Year ahead be filled with genuine closeness to Hashem, the long-awaited footsteps of Mashiach and the elevation of all of Am Yisrael to a Yom SheKulo Shabbat!

Rabbi Ovadia and Esther Tank

Bracha Malkam, Shaina Elisa and Liora Rachel

The wise man seizes the opportunity to do mitzvot. The lazy person says -- someday I'll do it. (King Solomon).

Kehilat Kodesh has established an Israel Emergency Fund following unprovoked, multi-front attacks on Israel during last Shabbat. We are in close contact with our overseas partners and we anticipate an unprecedented need for cash to assist victims of terror and their families.