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Haftarah Bereshit
This theme is implied by the word used to describe God at the beginning of the book of Genesis: “Bore” - “Creator”: “When God began to create (bore) the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This allusion is also echoed in the opening line of the haftarah: “Thus said God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what it brings forth, who gave breath to the people upon it and life to those who walk thereon.” (Isaiah 42:5) God is the source of creation, the essence behind all being. What then is the human role in this awareness? Isaiah describes it in the following to verses: “I, the Lord have summoned you, and I have grasped you by the hand. I created you and appointed you a “covenant people” - a light unto the nations.” (verse 6) “You are My witnesses - declares the Lord - My servant, whom I have chosen. To the end that you may take thought, and believe in Me, and understand that I am He: before Me no god was formed, and after Me none shall exist. (43:10) The purpose of Israel’s choseness is that they should be a people who know God. This knowledge goes beyond mere recognition. It also implies acceptance of the responsibility to serve God and to bear witness to God’s role as our creator. (see Meshech Hochmah - Rabbi Meir Simchah from Dvinsk on verse 43:10) What concrete action can the Jew do to bear witness to the basic truth of God’s reality? A good way to begin to assert this awareness is through the observance of Shabbat. The observance of Shabbat proclaims to everyone our cognizance and belief that God is our Creator and the Source of our being. (see Introduction to Hilchot Shabbat - Mishneh Brurah) Our sincerity will ultimately inspire the world.
The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem offers students of all backgrounds the skills for studying Jewish texts. We are a vibrant, open-minded egalitarian community of committed Jews who learn, practise and grow together. Our goal is to provide students the ability and desire to continue Jewish learning and practice throughout their lives. Rashei Yeshiva: Rabbi Richard Lewis, Rabbi Joel Roth and Rabbi Pesach Schindler.
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