“The way one sets oneself on Shabbos Bereishis determines the tone for the entire year.” – the chassidic masters
At first glance, it seems puzzling. What is special about this Shabbos, when we read Bereishis in particular?
Because Shabbos Bereishis, when we read the story of creation, reminds us of the foundation for all of life and all of our service throughout the year. It teaches us that the world is not a separate, independent reality; its entire existence is because Hashem is creating it.
Imagine running a small business: bills are due, payroll is coming up, and sales are slow. The normal and natural reaction is stress, maybe even panic. The evil inclination whispers to you: maybe you need to cut corners (something unethical?), work nonstop (no time for family?), and forget about Shabbos or Torah study until things calm down.
Chassidic teachings explain that “In the beginning G-d created” indicates that Hashem created the heavens and the earth from absolute nothingness. This act of creation is not a one-time event but continuous; every moment the world is being recreated through Hashem’s word (see Tanya). Thus, the very existence of the world is nothing but Divine speech sustaining it.
With this Shabbos Bereishis perspective: if the entire existence of the world is Hashem’s word, then my success isn’t only about hustle or luck—it flows from Hashem Himself. That doesn’t mean I sit back and do nothing. I still need to put in effort. But it means my effort is guided by trust in Hashem, not fear of the unknown. When one internalizes this (not an easy feat!), even mundane activities can be filled with holiness; saying a verse of Psalms, learning a Torah thought while walking down the street (daily study app), or doing a good deed that tips the world toward merit.
So instead of doing something unethical or breaking Shabbos to finish a deal, we close shop early, light Shabbos candles with family, and remember Who really sustains our business. That mindset itself brings calm, removes the crushing anxiety, and often opens the channel for blessing in ways we can’t predict.
In other words: Shabbos Bereishis teaches that the world is not against us; the world is sustained by Hashem for us. And when we live with that, we find the strength to make better choices, to stay calm in challenges, and to see more revealed goodness in our lives.
To rewrite the adage: if we set ourselves up to recognize that everything is a result of Hashem’s creation, and that everything in our spiritual life and all our material needs are in Hashem’s hands, this sets the tone for the entire year to be one of calmness and connection with Hashem.
Have a calm, good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman