In this work, the author brings the book of Bereshit (Genesis) to life by his idiomatic, easily understood translation of the Masoretic text. Dr. Friedman takes many ancient Hebrew idioms and unfolds them and their significance for the reader. Additionally, the reader enters into the flow of the text through his commentary, one that is based on unique Jewish approaches to understanding this foundational biblical book. This translation is both scholarly and artistic; upholding the holiness of the text while casting new looks at it, as is done when assessing the life of Yakov (Jacob). There is a special appendix to the translation and commentary that is found in chapter 37, when the life of Joseph is featured. In this fresh, insightful translation and commentary, the reader will enjoy immersing himself or herself in the Bible's classic first book, the 'Book of the Beginning.'