Parasha Bereshit
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth — and placed humanity at the center of His creation.
Overview
Parasha Bereshit opens the entire Torah with the most fundamental statement in all of Scripture: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). In six days, God brings the universe into existence — light, sky, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, sea creatures, animals, and finally the crown of creation: the human being.
The Story
God creates Adam from the dust of the earth and breathes life into him. He places Adam in the Garden of Eden and gives him a companion, Eve, formed from his rib. God gives them one prohibition: not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The serpent tempts Eve, who eats and gives to Adam. They are expelled from the Garden. Their sons Cain and Abel bring offerings to God. Abel's is accepted; Cain's is not. In jealousy, Cain murders Abel — the first act of violence in human history. God confronts Cain: "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain replies: "Am I my brother's keeper?" God curses Cain and marks him. The parasha ends with the genealogy from Adam to Noah, and a note that humanity had begun to corrupt itself.
Significance for Noahides
This parasha is the foundation of Noahide faith. It establishes that there is one God who created all things, that every human being is created b'tzelem Elohim — in the image of God — and that this dignity is universal. The prohibition of murder, the accountability of every person before God, and the moral responsibility of humanity are all rooted here. The six days of creation correspond to the six categories of divine commandment given to Adam — the precursors to the Seven Noahide Laws.