1. On Simchas Torah we read several sections of Berachah and several sections of Bereishis. Matan Torah initiated the unification of celestial and temporal. Once G‑d made the start we carry forth and on Simchas Torah we read “Berachah” first. Then we are given a new beginning in Torah and we start Bereishis again on a new level.
2. The third reading section of Bereishis speaks of the loftiness of Adam and of his subsequent fall. What can we possibly learn from this? To know and to name everything is the first step in the service of G‑d. This is the level of revealing the hidden. But a Jew must also transform the profane to be holy. R. Meir changed the disunity of the world to the “Aleph,” the unity of the Creator.
3. The mnemonic “Pa’T’Ba’G’ HaMelech” connects Rosh Hashanah with Nitzavim, Vayeilech and Shemini Atzeres andSimchas Torah. It imposes peace on divergence.
4. Practical reminder: Review of Torah portion, twice Scripture once Targum, on Shemini Atzeres; Keren HaShanah — daily contributions to Tzedakah; Chitas — Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya — daily, and also daily Rambam.
5. “The most fertile part of Yericho” was the communal property of the Jewish People because Yehoshua had made an oath not to use it. Later it was given to Binyamin in exchange for the Bais HaMikdash being built in their section.
The Levi’im did not have a share in the Land of Canaan — but in the future they will have a share in Eretz Yisrael.
Civilization faces the serious problem of passing on to future generations the basic rules or morality and justice. Today, this responsibility lies with the schools. While fully honoring the principle of separation of Religion and State — the schools must still institute a “Moment of Silence” at the beginning of each school day. This will facilitate the free expression of personal religious beliefs and provide a framework for inculcating faith in the Creator and Master of the World.
