With the joyous celebration of Simchat Torah behind us, we begin reading Torah once again, starting with Bereshit—the Book of Genesis. This annual cycle reminds us that the Torah always offers fresh wisdom. As we encounter the story of creation again, we witness how beautiful and special it is and what deeper responsibility it places upon us, Humans.
Genesis presents us with two different creation narratives. In Genesis 1, we witness a cosmic unfolding. God speaks, and the universe takes shape in six purposeful days—light, sky, land, stars, plants, animals, and finally, humanity. It’s an inspiring vision of order and grandeur. Humanity is created in the divine image and mandated to "fill the earth and subdue it," suggesting mastery over the natural world. But is that all? No.
In Genesis 2, the narrative shifts. It zooms in on the human experience in the Garden of Eden, where God forms Adam from the earth and places him in a garden to “work it and keep it” (LeOvda u'LeShomra). Here, humanity is not merely a ruler but a caretaker, deeply connected to the land from which it was created. The task is clear: we are entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of tending to creation.
These two perspectives—dominion and stewardship—are not contradictions but complements. LeOvdareminds us that we are called to be active participants in the world, working to bring about positive change, using our intellect, creativity, and hands to shape the earth. Yet, LeShomra tempers this by emphasizing the sacred duty of preservation. We are not free to exploit or destroy; rather, we must protect and sustain the natural balance of the world.
Our role as humans is not just to enjoy creation but to safeguard it for future generations. As we turn the page back to the beginning of the Torah, let us reflect on what it means to be partners with God in the ongoing work of creation. Each of us is called not only to use the resources of the earth but to honour them, to ensure that the beauty and bounty of our world endure.
This new beginning is an invitation. May we take up the challenge to work the land with wisdom, to keep it with care, and to live as faithful stewards of the world entrusted to us? Remember – God has no other workers but us, we have no other King but him. May this coming cycle of Torah reading bring us closer to Him, so we will truly fulfil our duty as the custodians of the Earth and its inhabitants.
Paradise by the famous Jewish painter Marc Chagall, 1961, France.