We begin the reading of the Torah anew in this portion. The creation of the world is described in two accounts. The first account focuses on the creation of all the elements of the physical universe, including humanity, and comes to a climax with the establishment of a day of rest. The second account focuses on the creation of humanity and comes to a climax with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. As a result of transgressing, a strict prohibition on eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden. God proclaims that henceforth they will get their food by hard toil and women will bear children in pain. Adam and Eve have two sons, Cain and Abel, who become a farmer and a shepherd, respectively. As a result of anger when God accepts Abel’s offering, but not his own, Cain kills his brother. Adam and Eve have a third son, Seth, from whom Noah ascends.
