Chazal tell us that part of Simchas HaChag is that we have an obligation to be worried about those less fortunate than ourselves. I believe some people assume that chazal was letting us know that this is just an important time to give tzedakah. However, the Rambam tells us that no one can have full joy, without giving to others. The Chofetz Chaim discusses this in a different dimension. In his sefer Ahavas Chesed (Chelek 2, Perek 2), he tells us that in order for someone to celebrate his own simcha, he needs others with whom to share it with. Some of us may assume that these are just parts of the quirks of human makeup. We are “social beings,” and need social interactions in order to invigorate us. However, this is not the only reason we feel this need.

While learning chemistry as a young boy, I was taught about the many different elements that are organized in the Periodic Table. These elements can combine with each other in different ways: some with stronger bonds and some with weaker bonds. But it seemed clear to me that all of these were made by Hashem, in order to create the dazzling world in which we live.

The Ran in Drashot Alef discusses the basic components of Creation and explains that each component in its own right, without being able to attach themselves to other components, would be virtually useless. It is only the joined-together parts that create something that is astounding. For example, Hydrogen and Oxygen by themselves can do certain things. But together, in the right proportion, they create the wonderful creation of water. (This concept is also found in the melacha of koseiv – writing – on Shabbos. One letter alone is not a Torah transgression, punishable by death; there needs to be at least two letters written together, creating a combined concept, in order to be obligated to bring a sin offering.)

As I was writing these words, a friend of mine came to came to me to gift me a sefer that he wrote. Included in the inscription, were feelings of our close relationship, which became deepened through the gesture. Our relationship with Hashem, is deepened greatly when we have the special month of Tishrei, that is full of thoughts of Hashem and the wonderful life that He has gifted us.

As we start a new cycle from Bereishis, I believe it is worthwhile to look back in time. We all understand that our prayers would not have been the same on the Yomim Noraim if we would have had to daven alone (as some of us did back in 5781). How many of us suffered having to eat Yom Tov meals alone, without the joys of having our children and grandchildren/parents with us. The joy of our Sukkah, Simchas Beis Hashoeva, and Hallel “betzibur” this year, all came together to give us a higher level of personal fulfillment. Through our sharing the Yom Tov experiences together, we all personally grew to become greater people.  We, as newly developed individuals, should now be looking more forward than ever to hooking up with our neighbors and friends, in order to create a better self and a better community.

May this Shabbos Bereishis be a true Genesis.