New Beginnings
How to complete the work of creation.
This commentary is provided by special arrangement withthe Jewish Outreach Institute, an organization dedicated to creating a moreopen and welcoming Judaism.
There are few beginnings that are not truly difficult. They demand of us a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation, forcing usout of our complacency. Most beginnings require courage and fortitude. Godcreated this world out of nothingness, says this week's Torah portion. It was tohuvavohu--a dark chaotic nothingness. The mystics say that since God fillsthe entire universe, God had to contract the Divine self in order for the worldto have been created.
We are at a time of new beginnings in the Jewish community.The New Year has just started, and a new cycle of Torah readings, as well. Therhythm of Jewish life is unique for in it is the simultaneous action of forgingahead while holding on to the past.
What we do this year--as with every year in the journey ofthe Jewish people--will determine our future. Each step we take does make adifference. The ingredients for such a rich and vibrant community are beforeus. The Rabbis teach that humankind is obligated to finish the creation of theworld, started by God, as noted in Genesis. So if we want to create a moreinclusive Jewish community, we have to begin now. We need only finish thecreation already started.
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky is executive director of the Jewish Outreach Institute and the author of numerous books about Jewish spirituality.
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