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What makes something 'reishis' (first) in Torah (תורה) - whether firstborn, first fruits, or the Jewish people? The concept means bearing the strongest imprint of one's source, like early lithograph copies. Rosh Hashanah judgment weighs whether we project God's image recognizably or have devolved to appear animal-like.
Rabbi Zweig presents a profound analysis of the concept of 'reishis' (first/beginning) and its connection to Rosh Hashanah. He begins by noting that while the Torah (תורה) calls the holiday 'Yom Teruah' in the festival passages, it uses 'Rosh Hashanah' in Deuteronomy when discussing God's constant watch over the Land of Israel. The rabbi explores what it means to be 'first' - whether the firstborn child, first fruits (bikkurim), the Jewish people, or the Land of Israel - all called 'reishis' in Torah. The central thesis is that 'reishis' means having the greatest imprint or identifiable mark of its source. Just as the first copy from a master has the strongest impression, or numbered lithographs are most valuable at lower numbers, the firstborn child carries the most identifiable characteristics of the parent. This explains why the firstborn receives a double inheritance - the Torah uses the language 'yakir' (recognize) because the father's identity is most recognizable in the firstborn.
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Rosh Hashanah judgment and the concept of reishis
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