When faced with writing anything on this Sedra, a feeling of being completely overwhelmed is inevitable. After all, as Rabbi Matis Weinberg has taught, the whole of the Torah and creation, until now, has clear roots in this Sedra. Nevertheless, there is one question that is crying to be asked.

The Torah, according to most people, is a book of law. A code about how to live our lives. The stages of creation and all the stories of the Patriarchs do not seem to fit into this pattern.

Rashi, the greatest biblical commentator, asks this very question. His answer is one that to this very day would be of great relevance. He suggests that G-d introduced the Torah with the creation to oppose future claims against the Jewish people over their rights for the Land of Israel. G-d created the whole world it is His to do as He desires. Therefore if He gives the Land of Israel to the Jews there can be no complaints. It is clear that the modern Zionist message is firmly rooted in Jewish sources.

There is more we can learn. Bereshit as one of he five books seen as a whole to be teaching is about ethics and morality. We learn about the grandeur of hospitality from Abraham, the self sacrifice of Isaac and the struggle of Jacob. There are impressive role models. There is rivalry, hatred, fear, drama and action. It's all there!

Thus we return to the beginning, Bereshit is the prototype of all we know. If we are to understand our own lives better, then this part of the Torah provides a unique opportunity.