1.   The book of Bereishis deals with the lives of the Patriarchs, whose deeds are a “sign” for the Jewish people. Serving G‑d altruistically is a lofty exercise, we inherit the power from Avraham. G‑d wants us to convert the “heritage of the nations” into Eretz Yisrael. Similarly, we must spread G‑dliness to all corners of the world. Saying “Chazak” at the conclusion of Bereishis gives us strength to go into the galus [in the book of Shemos].

2.   The redemption from Egypt came when it did as a reward for the righteous women of that generation. Their example of raising sons and daughters to be the “Legions of G‑d” should be emulated by Jewish women today. Rachel, our Matriarch, relinquished her right to be buried in the Machpelah cave in order to help her descendants when they would be driven into exile many years later. In her merit G‑d promised that we will return to our homeland.

3.   Rashi says that “Yaakov, our father, is not dead.” The Torah says: “...was brought back to his people.” The five-year-old Chumash student remembers having learned that when one passes away before his time it is not called “death” in Torah. Yaakov could complain that his life was not so long as his father’s, and we must demand of G‑d “How long must the galus last?!”