T he parshah of Bereshit is loaded with content, beginning with the creation of the universe and then running through everything from Adam until the birth of Noah 1,000 years later. Of all the many fundamental Jewish concepts discussed in this Torah portion, arguably the most important one is the creation of the intelligent man. The verse states “and He blew into his (man’s) nostrils the soul of life, and man became a living being” (Ch. 2: 7). The commentators give us a deeper understanding of this seminal event, explaining that at the moment we became “a speaking being” we transformed from an animal-like humanoid to a full-fledged human. The unique soul gave us intelligence and capabilities far beyond any other creation. Lions and tigers have been living the same way for thousands of years, but mankind’s wisdom has enabled us to achieve incredible things, like harnessing the power of electricity, sending man to the moon and so much more. And yet, remarkably, despite our advanced intelligence, we still struggle to achieve the most important and basic needs: happiness and peace of mind. One can simply take a cursory look around to see the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression that we suffer from nowadays. What is the solution? While there isn’t only one answer to resolving such a potentially complex issue, the parshah does give us a crucial clue on how to move forward. Two verses earlier it says, “All the herb of the field had not yet sprouted, for Hashem had not sent rain upon the Earth because there was no man to work the soil.” Why does God need to wait for man before sending the rain? The Talmud explains that God waited because there was no one to recognize the need for rain. But when Adam was created and recognized its importance for the world, he prayed for it; rain fell, causing the vegetation to spring forth. The simple awareness of our dependence on God was woven into the fabric of the creation of man itself because without it we are in a very precarious state. How could one possibly remain calm if we lived in a world devoid of God, one of random chaos? The recognition that God is watching over us as our loving Father in Heaven and is ready to help us whenever we reach out to Him is the most important first step toward a calm and worry-free existence. Rabbi Noam Gross works as an educator for the Young Professional Division of Partners Detroit. MAZEL TOV! 32 | SEPTEMBER 30 • 2021 HOW TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazel Tov! announcements are welcomed for members of the Jewish community. Anniversaries, engagements and weddings with a photo (preferably color) can appear at a cost of $18 each. Births are $10. There is no charge for bar/bat mitzvahs or for special birthdays starting at the 90th. For information, contact Editorial Assistant Sy Manello at smanello@thejewishnews.com or (248) 351-5147 for information or for a mailed or emailed copy of guidelines. Bryce Toby of Auburn Hills will become a bar mitzvah at Temple Beth El on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Participating in the ceremony will be parents, Alan and Jennifer Toby. Proud grandparents are Melvin Toby of West Bloomfield, and Jack and Fran Gould of Commerce. He is also the grandson of the late Rosanne Toby. Bryce is a student at Avondale Middle School in Rochester Hills. His mitzvah project includes raising money for the American Cancer Society. Our Unique Souls SPIRIT TORAH PORTION Rabbi Noam Gross Parshat Bereshit: Genesis 1:1- 6:8; Isaiah 42:5-43:10. JARC Event Takes to the Fast Lane JARC, a Metro Detroit-based nonprofit agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, will hold its fall fund- raising event, “JARC at M1, ” from noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. The unique, fun and at times exhilarating event will feature thrill rides in cars around the M1’s Champion Motor Speedway, live music performances by the Mega ’80s and other special music guests, and 1980s arcade games. The event will also offer an open bar, dinner and the largest outdoor event tent in Michigan at M1’s newly renovat- ed two-story event center. A special VIP event will also feature an opportunity for VIP ticket holders to drive a Dodge Hellcat on the M1 racetrack between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. JARC CEO Shaindle Braunstein said, “During the pandemic, we have persevered and grown as an organization, finding new ways of fulfilling our vital mission and stepping up in unusual circumstances to address all of the needs of the individuals we serve. ” Throughout the pandemic, she said, “we know those we serve have unique needs, and we will continue to step up to address those needs and ask for the com- munity’s financial support to help us continue that momentum. ” Proceeds from the event will go to fund JARC programs, includ- ing its 24-hour care for group homes. The event is made pos- sible through the sponsorship of the Steinway/Howard Family. For information and tickets, go to jarc.org/2021.