בְּרֵאשִׁית
Bereshit
“In the beginning”
Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “in the beginning,” pronounced “be-re-SHEET.” The literal translation is “in [the] beginning / at [the] head of.” The first word of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 1:1) and the name of the first book of the Torah. One of the most significant words in all of scripture.
| Hebrew | בְּרֵאשִׁית |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Bereshit |
| English Meaning | In the beginning |
| Literal Translation | In [the] beginning / At [the] head of |
| Pronunciation | be-re-SHEET |
| Category | Prayers & Worship |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew — the opening word of Genesis 1:1 and the name of the first book of the Torah. Jewish tradition holds that the Torah was written by Moses under divine inspiration. Bereshit is also the name of the first weekly Torah portion. |
| Scripture Reference | Genesis 1:1 |
Every word in the Torah matters, but the first word matters most. Bereshit — 'In the beginning' — is the first word of the Hebrew Bible, and rabbis have spilled rivers of ink unpacking its layers. The word contains 'reshit' (beginning/first), which is related to 'rosh' (head). But there's a hidden mystery: the Torah begins with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, bet (ב), not the first, alef. This has generated centuries of interpretation — why doesn't God's story begin with the beginning of the alphabet? The bet is also the first letter of berakhah (blessing), suggesting that creation itself is an act of blessing. In just one word, Hebrew manages to encode a universe of theological inquiry.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning (Bereshit), God created the heavens and the earth.”
Where Does “Bereshit” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew — the opening word of Genesis 1:1 and the name of the first book of the Torah. Jewish tradition holds that the Torah was written by Moses under divine inspiration. Bereshit is also the name of the first weekly Torah portion.
When and How to Say “Bereshit”
Used to reference the beginning of all things, the book of Genesis, and the first Torah portion. In synagogues, the annual cycle of Torah reading concludes and immediately restarts with Bereshit on the holiday of Simchat Torah. Also used figuratively: 'Let's start from bereshit' means 'let's start from the very beginning.'
Cultural Context of Bereshit
On Simchat Torah, the last verses of Deuteronomy are read and immediately followed by the opening of Bereshit — creating an eternal loop of Torah reading that never ends. The Israeli lunar spacecraft launched in 2019 was named 'Beresheet' (alternative spelling), symbolizing a new beginning for Israeli space exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “In the beginning” in Hebrew?
“In the beginning” in Hebrew is Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית), pronounced “be-re-SHEET.” The literal translation is “In [the] beginning / At [the] head of.” The first word of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 1:1) and the name of the first book of the Torah. One of the most significant words in all of scripture.
How do you pronounce Bereshit?
Bereshit is pronounced “be-re-SHEET.” The literal meaning is “In [the] beginning / At [the] head of.”
Why does the Torah begin with the letter bet and not alef?
This question has generated centuries of commentary. The Midrash says the Torah begins with bet (the first letter of berakhah/blessing) rather than alef (the first letter of arur/cursed) to start the world with blessing. Another interpretation: bet is closed on three sides and open on one — teaching that we should look forward from the beginning, not speculate about what came before creation.
What is the book of Bereshit about?
Bereshit (Genesis) covers creation, the Garden of Eden, the flood, the Tower of Babel, and the stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs — Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and Joseph. It spans from the creation of the world to Jacob's family settling in Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus.
How do you pronounce Bereshit correctly?
Bereshit is pronounced 'be-re-SHEET' with three syllables and stress on the final syllable. The 'sh' is clear, and the final 't' is distinct. In Israeli Hebrew, the 'r' is guttural (similar to a French 'r'). The alternative English spelling 'Beresheet' reflects the same pronunciation.
Sources & Further Study
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Related Hebrew Phrases
Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve'et ha'aretz
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
Bible Versesשְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵלShema Yisrael
Hear, O Israel
Blessings & Spiritualבָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָיBarukh Atah Adonai
Blessed are You, Lord
Blessings & SpiritualהַלְלוּיָהּHallelujah
Praise the Lord
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