The Mystery of the First Letter: Torah Portion Bereshit

Don’t you love a fresh start? There is something powerful about turning the page and beginning a journey again. As we return to the very beginning of the Scripture with the opening Torah portion, Bereshit (Genesis 1:1–6:8), we are invited into the grand story of creation—starting with just seven foundational Hebrew words.

In those first words, God establishes an essential truth: There is a God, and we are not Him.

Beyond this core truth lies a fascinating mystery hidden within the very first letter of the Bible.

Why Begin with the Second Letter?

The Bible does not start with Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Instead, it begins with Bet —the second letter—in the word Bereshit.

Why would God begin His revelation with the second letter instead of the first?

• Aleph represents Abba—the Father.
• Bet represents both Ben (the Son) and Bet (a house).

This divine detail reveals a beautiful picture: from the very opening line of Genesis, the Son (Ben) was there, co-laboring with the Father to build a house (Bet)—the material universe—designed specifically for Him to dwell in with us.

A Creation Built for Connection

As the Gospel of John reminds us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". Creation was never meant to be a distant cosmic project. It was designed as a home where God could be close to His creation.

When God says in Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," we see an early reflection of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s deepest desire from day one has been relationship. Through Yeshua (Jesus), we are invited to know the Creator not just as a distant power, but as a loving Father.

As you step into this new season, remember that the God who spoke the universe into existence built this world with you in mind—and He desires to dwell with you today.