Bereshit: Why the Creation Story Settles the Debate over the Land of Israel
The opening verse of the Torah is "In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1), it shows the deep connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, emphasizing that this is linked to the belief in the Creator. The Torah is primarily a book of instructions for the Jewish people. Logically, it should have opened with the first commandment given to them: sanctifying the new month. Rashi in his commentary raises this very question and brings the answer for that.
The Torah starts with the story of Creation to provide a decisive answer to the nations of the world who might one day claim to the Jews: "You are robbers! You unlawfully conquered the land of the seven nations." The Jewish response, based on the Torah's opening, is: The entire earth belongs to the Holy One, Blessed be He. He created it and gave it to whomever He saw fit. By His will, He gave it to us.
Once the Jewish people were given the Land of Israel, it was elevated to a unique spiritual status from which it can never depart. The Land of Israel is fundamentally different from all other lands. The necessity of opening the Torah with the Creation story underscores a core truth that is vital for both Jews and Bnei Noah.
The opening words, "In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth," immediately establish that G-d is the absolute owner of the entire universe. He did not merely initiate a natural process; He is the source of all existence. By asserting G-d's initial creation, the Torah forbids attributing any independent significance or authority to "Nature" or the physical world. Nothing exists outside of the Creator's will. The physical reality, including the division of land, is entirely subservient to the Divine command. The land's ownership is therefore not subject to temporary human laws or international treaties, but to the eternal, Divine decree.
The opening of the Torah serves as a universal declaration for all humanity that faith in the One G-d means a foundation of Divine order that is related to the physical world. The Creation narrative explains the eternal bond between the Creator, the Land, and the people of Israel, all rooted in the absolute faith in the One who created all.
Source: Genesis 1:1. Likkutei Sichos Vol. 5 page 1.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions.
Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Thank you for the great summary. I like how you explained how G'd's creating the world relates to G'd giving the land of Israel to the Jewish people.
That's a concept that goes a bit deeper than just a superficial reading of Parashas Bereishis.
And as you wrote, it also shows why the Torah, being primarily a book about Laws and Commandments, opens with the story of creation.