The Torah starts with the letter Beis, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The first word of the Torah, also the Hebrew name of the first book, is 'Bereishis'.

One might reasonably ask, why does the Torah not begin with Alef, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet? Alef often refers to Unity, to one-ness, to G-d, all seemingly appropriate ideas to start the Torah with. Yet the Torah begins with the letter Beis, which is the second letter, rather than Alef, the first.

We are told that G-d created the world in order that people would be able to do good. To do good usually involves being kind and generous towards somebody else. This is where Beis, where Two comes in - not just one, I, myself, not concerned for anyone else. There has to be a second person, another, to be concerned for, to do good for. The idea of two, of connecting to someone else, joining together, helping them, is expressed by the Beis.

There is a concept of Ahavas Yisroel, of loving one's fellow. The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, said that any time a Mitzvah (commandment) is performed without incorporating a dimension of Ahavas Yisroel, it is not a complete Mitzvah. In some cases we can easily understand this - inviting others to partake in a meal on a joyous occasion, a Shabbat or festival, would express this idea, as would giving charity. For other commandments it is hard to imagine how it would apply. Nonetheless, the emphasis is on putting another person first, involving them, being concerned about them and their needs.

The Torah started off as it meant to go on - putting concern for another person and Ahavas Yisroel at the top of the agenda.

This Shabbat is known as 'Shabbat Bereishit'. There is an idea that wherever a person stands on Shabbat Bereishit, this affects their situation and their standing throughout the year. It is the first Shabbat after the festivals, the beginning of the 'regular' part of the New Year. We start as we mean to go on, therefore whatever frame of mind and attitude we have now may carry on throughout the year. Many of us made resolutions for the new year and now is the time to stand firm, to follow up on our good intentions and start the new year on the right foot.