The Previous Rebbe publicized an adage concerning Shabbat Bereshit, “the stance which we adopt on Shabbat Bereshit determines the nature of our conduct in the entire year to come.”
This statement is somewhat problematic, for the month of Tishrei as a whole is an inclusive month, containing festivals which influence the entire year. This is indicated by the name of the first of these festivals, Rosh HaShanah, which means “the head of the year.”
It is explained that just as the head contains the life-energy for the entire body, Rosh HaShanah contains the life-energy for the entire year. Similarly, the holidays that follow, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, generate influence that affects our conduct in the entire year to come. Why then does the above adage convey such distinction on Shabbat Bereshit alone?
A Transition
In resolution, it can be explained that Shabbat Bereshit represents the transition from the holiday atmosphere of the month of Tishrei to the day-to-day life of the months that follow.
Thus Shabbat Bereshit represents:
- The conclusion of the month of Tishrei — for it is the Shabbat following Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah collect and internalize all the influence of Tishrei. This in turn is elevated and brought to a state of perfection by Shabbat Bereshit, for Shabbat always elevates the service of the previous week.
- The beginning of the service of the year that follows — Shabbat Bereshit is the Shabbat on which the month of MarCheshvan is blessed. MarCheshvan has no holidays; thus it represents the ordinary day-to-day service of the year. This is the service of “and Yaakov went on his way,” service within the context of the natural order.
Influence on the Coming Year
Since Shabbat Bereshit contains both these dimensions, it has the potential to influence the entire year which follows.
In the month of Tishrei as a whole, the influence is spiritual in nature, above the level of worldly experience. In contrast, Shabbat Bereshit conveys the influence of Tishrei into our worldly frame of reference and has the potential to convey the spiritual influence of Tishrei within the world at large.
Thus, “the stance which we adopt on Shabbat Bereshit determines the nature of our conduct in the entire year to come.”
adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe
