B"H

Friday, Tishrei 26, 5783 / October 21, 2022

Shalom. I hope you had a joyous and happy Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah holidays. Thank G-d we had the opportunity to spend the holidays with our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in California, Cleveland and Brooklyn. As a result of my travels, Torah Fax wasn’t published regularly during the holiday month of Tishrei. May the new year, 5783, bring new blessings of good health, Nachas, happiness and peace to all.

The Torah was concluded on Simchat Torah. This Shabbat we begin the Torah once again with the reading of Parshat Breishis in the book of Genesis. There are fifty-four Parshiot in the Torah. By reading one Parsha each Shabbat, we complete the entire Torah each year.

Parshat Breishis begins with G-d’s creation of the world. The Torah tells us that G-d created the world in six days and on the seventh day (Shabbat) He rested. The Parsha tells what was created on each of the six days of creation.

Adam and Eve (Chava) were created on the sixth day (Friday). Their children, Kayin (Cain) and Hevel (Abel) were the first humans to be born from a father and mother. Interestingly: The parents, Adam & Eve & their children, Kayin & Hevel were all the same age, as they were created and born on the same day.

Q.Why is it that, as a general rule, parents love their children and will do anything for their children more than what children would do for their parents?

A.Children receive their character traits from parents. Adam and Chava had no parents, so they didn’t have that natural love for parents, thus it wasn’t transmitted to their children. But they did have parental love for their children and thus transmitted it to their children and future generations.

Q.The Torah records seven generations which came from Kayin. Whom did he marry?

A.With the birth of Kayin, the Torah adds the word “gam.” With the birth of Hevel, the Torah adds the word “gam” twice. Our sages explain that with the word “gam” which means “also” the Torah alludes to the fact that together with Kayin, a twin sister was also born. The two times “gam” with the birth of Hevel alludes to the fact that with Hevel two sisters were born.   

Q.The Torah begins, Breishis – In the beginning G-d created heaven and earth. Thus, the Torah begins with the letter BET, which is the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. What does it teach us?

A. The word Beracha – BLESSING begins with the letter BET. Beginning the Torah with the letter Bet, teaches us that Torah brings blessings to the world.

Coming from Simchat Torah and this Shabbat beginning the Torah, which begins with blessing, may we all enjoy lots of blessings in good health, success and Nachas. Amen 

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:40 / Shabbat ends: 6:42