Overview – Sefer Bereshit

Sefer Bereshit serves as an introduction to the rest of Torah, providing crucial background for understanding its laws, history, and belief system:

• Legal background – RashbamBereshit 1:1About R. Shemuel b. Meir suggests that without the description of creation in Sefer Bereshit, certain laws, such as Shabbat, would not be understandable.
• Historical background –  A central motif of Sefer Bereshit is Hashem's repeated promises of "land" and "seed".  These are offset by the simultaneous prophecy  that the nation would be enslaved in a foreign land before finally conquering Canaan.  These promises are crucial for understanding the rest of Torah which details the exile in Egypt and journey back to Israel. 
• Justification for choice of Israel –  RambanBereshit 1:1About R. Moshe b. Nachman and SfornoBereshit IntroductionAbout R. Ovadyah Sforno suggest that in its depiction of the sins of early mankind, Sefer Bereshit provides the rationale for why Hashem chose Israel as His chosen nation, while rejecting others.⁴
• Fundamentals of belief –  By starting Torah with creation, Hashem introduces Himself as Creator and not only as Redeemer.⁵  ShadalBereshit 1:1About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto points out that this is crucial for belief in monotheism⁶ and RambanBereshit 1:1About R. Moshe b. Nachman notes that as this is one of the fundamentals of our faith, it is inconceivable that the Torah could start anywhere else.  Cassuto adds that many of the early stories in Torah serve to oppose the myths prevalent in the Ancient Near East regarding creation, gods, angels, etc. See, for instance, his understanding of the story of בני הא־להים and בנות האדם, the Flood, and Migdal Bavel.

The stories of Sefer Bereshit inculcate many lessons regarding proper behavior, character traits, and beliefs. Though these could be given over in a legal code, they are much more powerful lessons when learned via the actions of real people:

• Universal values – ShadalBereshit 1:1About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto suggests that the story of Creation is needed to  teach the unity of both God⁷ and the human species (אחדות העולם ואחדות המין האנושי).  While the former promotes monotheism, the latter is the foundation for social justice and love of mankind.  Without the recognition that all stem from one source, dissent and power struggles ensue between nations.
• Obedience to and belief in Hashem – Throughout Sefer Bereshit the Patriarchs continually demonstrate their faith in Hashem and their willingness to follow His word. Avraham's unwavering obedience at the Akeidah provides, perhaps, the strongest example of what it means to give of your entire being to Hashem.
• Coping with difficulty – The forefather/mothers' lives were far from idyllic.  They included displacement from home and family, barrenness, political conflicts, family strife, economic difficulties and famine.  Their steadfast faith throughout serves as a model for others attempting to overcome life's hurdles.  See, for example, Barren Women.
• Delayed gratification / deferred benefit – Hashem's promises to the Patriarchs were fulfilled only generations after they died. As such, the forefathers spent their lives toiling for their descendants, not themselves.  This stands in stark contrast to the other protagonists of the book who look for immediate and physical gratification rather than future spiritual rewards.⁸
• The dangers of favoritism and repercussions of jealousy – Many of the stories of Sefer Bereshit revolve around this theme, from Kayin's killing of Hevel in the beginning of the book, to the blessing of Yaakov in the middle, and the stories of Yosef at the end.
• Lessons from individuals
• Family loyalty – RalbagBereshit Toalot 14:14About R. Levi b. Gershom points out that Avraham's risking of his life to save Lot in the Battle of the Kings, teaches the extent to which one must be willing to sacrifice for family, even if they have turned their back on you.
• Standing up for justice – Avraham's Prayer for Sedom demonstrates the importance of condemning injustice.
• Continuity and persistence – In contrast to his trailblazing father, Yitzchak's strength might lay in his steadfastness.⁹  See Avraham and Yitzchak.
• For other lessons that can be learned from the book, see Radak¹⁰ who often discusses "טעמי הסיפורים" and Ralbag who lists the "תועלות" or purposes of every unit.

The actions of the forefathers as described in Sefer Bereshit paved the way for the future behavior of their descendants and foretold the pivotal events which were to befall the nation:¹¹

Events – TanchumaLekh Lekha 9About the Tanchuma points to the many parallels between the life of Avraham and the lives of his descendants,¹² showing how they shared both blessings¹³ and travails.¹⁴  RambanBereshit 1:1Bereshit 12:6Bereshit 12:9-10Bereshit 14:1Bereshit 15:9Bereshit 15:12Bereshit 16:6Bereshit 26:1Bereshit 26:20Bereshit 28:12Bereshit 29:2Bereshit 32:4About R. Moshe b. Nachman develops the idea, attempting to show how even some of the seemingly inconsequential acts of our forefathers foreshadow events to come:

• Descent to Egypt – Ramban¹⁵ suggests that the story of Avraham's sojourn in Egypt predicts the events to befall the nation there.¹⁶ He even claims that the future exile came as punishment for Avraham's initial descent and Endangering of Sarah.¹⁷
• Four kingdoms – Ramban points to several stories as foreshadowing the four kingdoms which are to rule over Israel, including the Battle of the Kings, the Covenant of the Pieces, and Yaakov's Dream in Beit El.
• Batei Mikdash – Ramban suggests that the stories of both Yitzchak's digging of wells and Yaakov's meeting by a well hint to the future Mikdash, while the "עגלה משולשת ועז משולשת" in the Covenant of the Pieces represent the three types of sacrifices (Olah, Chatat¹⁸ and Shelamim).
• Fall to Rome – Ramban views Yaakov's unnecessary meeting with Esav as predicting the future pact made by the Hasmonean kings with Rome, which eventually caused Israel's fall at the hands of Rome.

Much of Sefer Bereshit revolves around the selection and rejection of both nations and individuals.  It is not always so clear from the text, however, what was so objectionable about the characters who are rejected.  In fact, commentators often vary widely in their evaluation of the various protagonists of the book:

• Rejection of Kayin's line – Kayin's murder of Hevel appears to be a fairly obvious explanation for his rejection, but what made Hashem reject his offering to begin with? See Kayin's Sacrifice Rejected.  See also Kayin – Intentional or Unintentional Murderer, that not all agree regarding the severity of his crime.  Finally, see also Lemekh's Monologue for different takes on whether or not Kayin's violent streak continued in his descendants.
• Destruction of the world – What led to Hashem's decision to despair of the world and destroy it via the flood?  See also  בני הא־להים and בנות .האדם.
• Cursing Canaan‎ – What did Canaan do that was so terrible that it resulted in his being cursed? See Cursing Canaan.
• Generation of the Dispersal – Were the builders of the tower of Bavel embarking on a malicious project that called for punishment, or, might their actions be viewed as an error in judgement and Hashem's intervention as a protective rather than punitive measure? See Deconstructing Migdal Bavel.
• Lot rejected – How should Lot's character be understood?  What about his wife? See A Portrait of Lot and Lot's Wife and Her Fate.
• Yishmael rejected – Given the scarcity of verses which discuss Yishmael's actions, evaluating his character is no simple task. This leads some commentators to portray him as a neutral or even positive figure, and others to label him extremely problematic. See A Portrait of Yishmael and Banishment of Hagar and Yishmael.
• Esav rejected – Though the Torah is unequivocal in endorsing Yaakov as the third patriarch, its evaluation of Esav is less clear.  Was he really a totally wicked character? See A Portrait of Esav, Sale of the Birthright, and Why Bless Esav.

To what degree did the Patriarchs and Matriarchs observe the laws later set forth in Torah? To what extent did they share its value system? Is it possible that not all our ancestors began as pure monotheistic believers, and that for some, belief in one God was rather the result of a religious journey?

• Avot and Mitzvot – Did the Avot observe the commandments? On one hand, they lived centuries before the Torah was given and many of its laws would be meaningless to them. On the other hand, it seems paradoxical to conceive of the founders of a religion not observing even its most basic commandments!
• Akeidat Yitzchak –  How did Avraham, living among pagans who held child sacrifice to be the highest display of religious devotion, feel about the practice?  Did he share their belief until Hashem taught him otherwise, or had he always viewed the practice as immoral?¹⁹ 
• A Wife for Yitzchak – What were Avraham's main criteria when choosing Yitzchak's spouse? Was it most important that the woman share his belief system, or that she be of noble character?
• Yaakov's oath in Beit El – When Yaakov awakens from his dream in Beit El, he makes an oath that if Hashem watches over him, "וְהָיָה י״י לִי לֵאלֹהִים".  What does Yaakov mean by this? Hashem not already his God? For sources, see Yaakov.
• Rachel's Stealing of the Terafim – Why did Rachel take her father's idols?  What does her action teach about her own personal religious beliefs?²⁰
• Did Yaakov's Sons Marry Canaanites – While Avraham and Rivka clearly take pains to ensure that their chosen sons do not marry Canaanites, there is no explicit mention that Yaakov shared this concern regarding his children's marriages.  Why not?
• Yosef in Egypt – How did the many years of Yosef's estrangement from his family affect his religious identification? See Yosef's Treatment of his Family and Yosef's Double Portion for discussion of the possibility that he and his family might have begun to assimilate in Egypt.

The Torah presents Israel's leaders as real people, allowing readers to identify with and learn from their behavior. The forefathers often make excellent role models (see examples above). Yet, at other times they act in ways which make the reader question whether they are indeed worthy of emulation.  How are we to understand such stories?  Is it legitimate to criticize the Avot, or should any stories that cast shadows on their reputations be reinterpreted?  The issue comes up repeatedly in Sefer Bereshit:

• Endangering Sarai in Egypt‎ – Was Avraham correct in putting Sarah in danger of potential rape so as to save his own life?
• Sarah's Treatment of Hagar – Was Sarah's oppression of the pregnant Hagar justified?
• Banishment of Hagar and Yishmael – Though Hashem explicitly backs Sarah's decision to expel Yishmael, one wonders what crime of Yishmael could have been so heinous as to deserve banishment from his home?
• Sale of the Birthright – Did Yaakov exploit Esav's vulnerability in order to gain the birthright?  Did paying for it with a mere bowl of lentils not constitute extortion?  How else might the story be understood?
• Yaakov's Taking of the Blessing – Were Rivka and Yaakov justified in deceiving Yitzchak so as to ensure that Yaakov received his father's blessing?
• Sin and Slaughter of Shekhem – How are we to evaluate Shimon and Levi's slaughter of an entire city in retribution for an individual's rape of their sister? See also Yaakov's Parting Words to Shimon and Levi.
• Reuven and Bilhah – What prompted Reuven, ostensibly a righteous figure, to have relations with his father's concubine?
• The Sale of Yosef – How can the heads of the future tribes sell their own brother into slavery?  See Who Sold Yosef for Rashbam's opinion that actually they did not!
• Yehuda and Tamar – How should Yehuda's refusal to give his son in levirate marriage to Tamar be understood?
• Yosef's Economic Policies – Yosef's policies during the years of famine, when he takes all of the Egyptian's money, cattle and land, seem extremely harsh.  Did the famine really necessitate such draconian measures or was Yosef taking advantage of the Egyptians?

It seems as if every family in Sefer Bereshit is plagued by sibling rivalry or matrimonial disharmony:

• Kayin and Hevel – Fratricide is introduced into history quite early, as the very first sibling relationship ends in murder. See Kayin's Sacrifice Rejected, Kayin – Intentional or Unintentional Murderer, and Kayin and Hevel in Art.
• Sarah and Hagar – From the moment Sarah suggests that Hagar bear children to Avraham in her place, strife ensues. How do both Sarah and Avraham deal with this? Sarah's Treatment of Hagar, Hagar – How Many Pregnancies, Banishment of Hagar and Yishmael, and Avraham's Many Wives.
• Yaakov and Esav – Topics which deal with their relationship include: Sale of the Birthright, Yaakov's Taking of the Blessing, Why Bless Esav, Wrestling With Angels and Men, Yaakov's Dividing of his Camp, and Yaakov and Esav's Reunion in Art.
• Rachel and Leah – Rachel and Leah vie for both a husband's love and for children to cherish. How does the competition affect each other and the family as a whole?
• Yosef and his brothers – How does the brothers' relationship change over the years? How does Yosef feel towards his siblings after being sold?  How do the brothers feel after having sold him? See: Who Sold Yosef, Yosef's Treatment of his Family, Why Did Yosef Frame Binyamin, Yehuda and Tamar and Yehuda's Oration.

For an in depth analysis of some of the key characters of Sefer Bereshit, see:

• Avraham –  Avraham is a trailblazer in both belief and deed. What made him so? What are some of his unique traits?  What lessons can be learned from the story of his life?
• Yitzchak – Many view Yitzchak as simply continuing in the path set forth by his father. Is this a fair assessment? What were Yitzchak's unique contributions to the nation?
• Yaakov – When speaking to Paroh, Yaakov says of his life, "מְעַט וְרָעִים הָיוּ יְמֵי שְׁנֵי חַיַּי", alluding to the many misfortunes which befell him throughout the years.  Why is his story so replete with tragedy? How does he deal with hardship?  How does he change and grow over the course of his life?
• Yosef – Yosef's life is a roller coaster of ups and downs, moving from being favored son to exiled slave and then back to a position of leadership. He is admired by some and disdained by others. What in him invites such opposite reactions?  What are his strengths?  What are his weaknesses?
• Yehuda –  Yehuda is blessed with kingship. What leadership traits does he display in Sefer Bereshit that might have merited him this role? See Purpose of the Yehuda and Tamar Story and Yehuda's Oration for insights into his character.. 
• Nimrod, Yishmael and Esav – Each of these characters is vilified by some sources, but is portrayed as neutral or even positive by others. Which portrait is best supported by the text?

Comparing two characters often provides a better understanding of each. See:

• Avraham and Yitzchak – How similar are father and son?  Many of the episodes that define the Avraham narrative find their echo in the life of Yitzchak.  What are we to learn from this?
• Avraham and Yaakov – Avraham is the founding father of the nation, while Yaakov is literally the father of the "Children of Israel".  How do the two leaders compare?
• Avraham and Iyyov – Both Avraham and Iyyov are described as "יְרֵא אֱ-לֹהִים" and tested to prove this faith.  How does each react? What can be learned from comparing the two figures?
• Yaakov and David – Yaakov, the father of the Children of Israel, and David, the founder of the dynastic monarchy, are two of the most central figures in all of Jewish history. Strikingly, there are numerous similarities between the general trajectories of their lives, as both need to overcome numerous hardships throughout. What might the parallels teach us?
• Yosef and Megillat Esther, Yosef and Daniel and Yosef, Esther, and Daniel – Yosef, Esther and Daniel are all leaders in exile, facing similar trials and issues.  The many parallels between the stories highlight some of the challenges faced by anyone living in exile and have important lessons for Diaspora Jewry even today.