New Column on Anash.org: A weekly Dvar Torah for children by Rabbi Yekusiel Goldstein, author of the book Divrei Torah for Children.
Rabbi Goldstein carefully selected a collection of 63 Divrei Torah on the parsha and Yom Tov. Each Dvar Torah is based on the Rebbe’s sichos and follows the clear format of a concise question, answer and practical lesson in day to day life explained in a child friendly manner.
For a printable PDF of the Dvar Torah and accompanying review for Shabbos Bereishis, click here.
בְּרֵאשִׁית
This week we begin Bereishis, the first parsha of the Torah, where we learn about the creation of the world
Question – The point of the Torah is to teach us the 613 mitzvos. If so, why does the Torah begin with the history of the world, rather than the first mitzva which we were told by yetzias Mitzrayim and matan Torah?
Rashi answers – When the Yidden will conquer Eretz Yisroel, the nations may claim, “This land belongs to us, why are you stealing it?” The Yidden must know how to respond.
The Torah tells about the world’s early history, to let the nations know that Hashem created the world and is the true owner of Eretz Yisroel. Hashem decided to let different nations live there until He gave it over to the Yidden.
The question still remains – Why didn’t Hashem just give Eretz Yisroel to the Yidden in the first place, and avoid the argument altogether?
Answer – Hashem wanted the Yidden to take land, without kedusha, that belongs to other nations, and elevate and transform it. Through learning Torah and performing mitzvos on the land of Eretz Yisroel, it will be changed to a heilike land.
Lesson – When it’s easy to daven, learn and do the right thing, we all enjoy following Hashem’s mitzvos. But when we put in extra effort to do what Hashem wants, especially on days when it seems difficult for us, this gives Hashem true pleasure and fulfills the purpose for which we were created.
(Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 5 p. 10)
Divrei Torah for Children Volume 2 can be purchased online or in Crown Heights bookstores.