Bereshit — Genesis
The Book of Beginnings — creation, humanity, the patriarchs, and the descent to Egypt.
Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית), meaning "In the beginning," is the first of the Five Books of Moses. It opens with the creation of the universe and closes with the death of Joseph in Egypt. It is the foundational narrative of all existence — the story of God, humanity, and the family that would become the Jewish people.
For Noahides, Bereshit is especially significant: it contains the creation of Adam and Eve, the first divine commandments, the story of Noah and the Flood, and the covenant God made with all of humanity through the rainbow. The roots of the Seven Laws are found here.
Weekly Portions of Bereshit
- Bereshit — Creation of the world, Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel
- Noach — Noah and the Flood, the rainbow covenant, the Tower of Babel
- Lech Lecha — God's call to Abraham, the covenant, and his journey to Canaan
- Vayera — The angels visit Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah, the binding of Isaac
- Chayei Sarah — The death of Sarah, Isaac's marriage to Rebecca
- Toldot — Jacob and Esau, the stolen blessing
- Vayetzei — Jacob's ladder, his years with Laban, and his marriages
- Vayishlach — Jacob wrestles the angel, reconciliation with Esau
- Vayeshev — Joseph and his brothers, the coat of many colors, Joseph in Egypt
- Miketz — Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, rises to power
- Vayigash — Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, Jacob descends to Egypt
- Vayechi — Jacob blesses his sons, the death of Jacob and Joseph