In the beginning the Lord created 5744

This is a Hasidic discourse by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, from 1984. This discourse explains one perspective on the first verse of the Torah, according to some classical commentaries and in accordance with the Zohar and Hasidic thought. Questions are raised (without answers!), and the concept of the refinement of the material world as the goal of creation is explained.