Question: When Shabbat Bereshit comes, I hear again and again, “the stance which we adopt on Shabbat Bereshit determines the nature of our conduct in the entire year to come.” It’s so much pressure. If I get upset I think, “now how will the year be!” If my kids fight or the Shabbat table is not filled with Torah, I become anxious. It takes the joy out of Shabbat. How can I approach it differently.
Answer: On Shabbat Bereshit we read in the Torah the description of creation. Chassidus explains that not only did Hashem create the world in six days, but He constantly renews creation every moment. So too, Hashem directs every element of existence; from a leaf falling on a river, to a person winning the lottery, all is with Divine intent.
While this concept may seem lofty, it has important practical applications in our lives, as illustrated by the following story: A rich man once asked his Rebbe for advice how to overcome his anger. The Rebbe did not respond but after the man left instructed his helper not to give the man maftir on Shabbat. The helper shuddered. The rich man always received maftir when he visited town and he would be furious. The helper decided to tell the rich man ahead of time. As expected, on Shabbat someone else was given maftir. The rich man stayed calm. On Sunday morning the Rebbe said to the rich man, “from what I saw on Shabbat, you do not have an anger problem.” The man answered, “that’s because I knew you said not to give me maftir.” The Rebbe responded, “if you would realize that all that happens is from Hashem, and is for your good, you would also not get angry.”
The saying, “the stance we adopt on Shabbat Bereshit...” does not imply our Shabbat must be perfect. The kids may fight and the Shabbat table might not be as we had hoped. Yet, within the tumult, our aim is to internalize that everything is with Divine intent— Hashem is intimately involved in our lives, guiding our steps and caring for each of us. All is from Hashem.
But what about when we fall, or, as you write, when we get upset? A woman received a dollar and blessing from the Rebbe. As she walked away, she fell. She waited again in line and when she approach the Rebbe asked, “how could I receive a dollar from you and then fall.” The Rebbe answered that the dollar was not so you will never fall. Rather, when you will fall you will be able to get back up.
Shabbat Bereshit provides the opportunity to deepen our recognition of Hashem in our lives. The more we “adopt this stance (awareness) on Shabbat Bereshit,” the easier it will be to engage the year with confidence, determination, positivity and know that we can get up, even if we fall.
Aharon Schmidt, marriage & individual counseling, [email protected]
