Bereishis

Shabbat Shalom!.

"In the beginning G-d created heaven and earth, and the earth was empty and void."

Parsha Bereishis is the first time when the first parsha of the torah is read in its entirety. We actually read the opening lines of this parsha on Simhat Torah following the conclusion of the last portion of the torah. This signifies the continuity of torah, the fact that we never really ‘complete’ the torah. We are given the opportunity year after year to renew our faith or to make up for that which we had missed the prior year.

There have been many discussions and explanations as to why the torah begins with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet Bet. Why not begin with the Aleph the first letter? Perhaps this is to encourage those of us who have not reached those goals we set out to, another chance to do so. The letter Bet signifies to us that we all have another chance to correct and renew our spirit and faith.

Hashem as master of the world, or as the “big aleph” calls the shots, and we need to humbly acknowledge that we are mortal. As we learn in Genesis, G-d intended for us to work together towards a common spiritual goal. Given that Adam and Eve are prototypes for men and women of all generations, each of us has the same opportunity as they did to achieve the personal fulfillment that comes from unlocking one's potential.

Beginning the torah with the letter Bet reminds us that we all have the ability to unlock our potential and to achieve a sense of personal and spiritual satisfaction. I am reminded of the movie “Ground Hog Day” where Bill Murray plays a character who relives his same boring, tedious life every day after realizing that in a single day he cannot bring others in to satisfy his every need. After some time he realizes the one thing that he can achieve is to improve himself by educating himself on a daily basis. He learns piano, speaks French, does many “mitzvot” and eventually becomes the towns most beloved citizen. Though this is just a movie it does make a strong point about how someone can fulfill their unique potential in such a short time. If we all think of ourselves as Bet’s we are reminded that we have the drive and the capacity to improve and strive toward the Aleph which Hashem intended. We have been created "in G-ds image." It’s amazing what one can achieve if we put our mind to it. We have our work cut out for us !

Shabbat Shalom,

Miriam

Two sweet recipes to start our new year out on the right foot. What better way than honey to remind us of our Rosh Hashanah resolutions and Chocolate for a sweet new beginning-

Glazed Carrots with Honey&Dijon mustard

1 lb. carrots

3 tbsp. butter(or margarine)

1/4 c. honey

3 tbl. dijon mustard

1/4 c. orange juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

parsley(or chives) to sprinkle

Scrub carrots and cut in slices. Put all in heavy skillet where you have melted the butter, cook over low heat 20 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. Remove cover and raise heat and cook about 3 to 4 minutes to reduce liquid and glaze carrots.

Chocolate Florentine Cookies

2 cups quick oats

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup light corn syrup ( or you can use the dark syrup)

1/4 cup milk (can use vanilla soy milk or non-dairy creamer)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1-3/4 cups milk chocolate (or semi-sweet) morsels

preheat oven to 375 degress F.,line baking sheets with foil

melt butter in a medium saucepan; remove from heat, stir in

oats, sugar, flour,corn syrup, milk and vanilla and salt; mix