Parshat Bereishit

The Gemara in Masechet Chagigah (12a) recounts an interesting argument between Hillel and Shammai: what was created first – heaven or earth? Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai doesn’t understand the question. He maintains that they were created simultaneously like a pot with its lid; they are one thing.

The Slonimer Rebbe reveals a deeper message in this discussion. The heavens represent the spiritual path to serving Hashem, while the earth represents the physical path. Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai cannot understand how one could serve

G-d with one and not the other, like a pot without its lid!

In fact, the opening verses prove the necessity of a combined approach. “The land was null and void and the spirit of G-d hovered over the depths.” When the earth is devoid of spirituality, when there is no connection, life is null and void. “And G-d said let there be light and there was light. And G-d saw the light that it was good”.

When we infuse light, or spirituality, into our earthly lives, it is good. This is the way of the Jewish people. To bring Hashem’s light into the world and reflect it in the way we live, in the way we infuse spirituality into our material existence, and in the way we live our everyday lives, celebrate joyous occasions and fight our wars.

As we experience one of the darkest moments in Jewish history, it is incumbent on us to look for the light and to be the light. We must unite in love and acceptance. The existence of the world hangs on the light of the Jewish people. May we experience the day when the original light of creation is again revealed, and we know no more wars and can live in peace with all of humanity.

Shabbat Shalom,



Morah Nechama Goldman