One of the most puzzling aspects of the Torah is the inclusion of material that is obscure, or parochial. The most obvious example is the Creation Narrative, describing God’s creation of the Universe. Why is this relevant to our obligations as the Chosen Nation of God?

Rashi asks this question in his very first piece of commentary on the Torah. His answer is at once enlightening and confounding. He answers the question but opens up many more, and his silence on all of them leaves us confused and in the dark.

Rabbi Dunner takes a look at the Netivot Shalom, who presents a compelling background to the necessity of all the narrative portions of Bereishit and the early part of Shemot. Rather than being parochial, these stories underpin the Torah with universal messages that are the key to our ability to relate to God through His Torah and the mitzvot it contains.