Why Does the Torah Begin with Beraishis?

The first Rashi we discussed explored a basic question--why begin with Beraishis? Why not with the first mitzvah?

To many of us this seemed an unexpected question--surely, since the foundation of our belief is that Hashem created the world, it is essential to begin the Torah with that information. Otherwise, why would we feel impelled to keep the mitzvos?

Ramban poses this question to Rashi's query, then answers by explaining that the detail really isn't necessary for this belief, since Beraishis is very complex and can't be easily understood. It would have been enough to express this belief in the Aseres Hadibros, as the commandment to keep Shabbos relates--"for in six days Hashem created the world, and everything in it, and rested on the seventh."

Ramban therefore concurs with Rashi's question: why begin with Beraishis? Why do we need all this detail?

Rashi answers that this is the proof that Eretz Yisroel belongs to the Jewish nation. Ramban explains the significance of Rashi's answer. The stories in Chumash Beraishis describe a series of rewards and punishments. Adam and Chavah sin, and are exiled; the Dor Hamabul sin, and are utterly banished; the Dor Haflagah sins, and are scattered. Finally, Avraham, who does the will of Hashem, is rewarded--with Eretz Yisroel.

Thus, from the very beginning the Torah establishes the essential principles of schar v'onesh, reward and punishment, particularly pertaining to exile and granting land to those who demonstrate that they deserve it. This concept of justice is so important that the Torah begins with Beraishis, despite the fact that it is not easily understood.

We conclude with a discussion of Rashi's quote from Tehillim: "The power of His deeds He told to His people, to give them the inheritance of the nations." Does it do any good to tell us this information--when it is the other nations who must be convinced?

Apparently this is so. For the key to Eretz Yisroel lies in our hands. It is our belief that it has been granted to us that ensures it will remain within our hands.