'Torah (JPSA) 01: Genesis' Summary

Genesis begins with the creation of the world and the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve are created and placed in the garden, but they are tempted by the serpent and eat from the forbidden tree of knowledge. As a result, they are expelled from the garden and must live in the world with its hardships and temptations. The rest of Genesis tells the stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Jewish people. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are called by God to leave their homes and go to the land of Canaan. They experience many trials and tribulations along the way, but they eventually establish a great nation. Genesis ends with the story of Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph uses his position to save his family from a famine and to bring them to Egypt. The book of Genesis is a foundational text for Judaism and Christianity. It tells the story of how the world was created, how sin entered the world, and how God's plan of redemption began.