Parshas Ki Savo 5765

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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During the times of the Temple, a person would bring an offering of the first fruits each year, to the kohain in Jerusalem. This was called Bikkurim. After depositing the fruits before the altar, the person would recite a short historical synopsis of the Jewish people, recapping Jacob’s ordeal with Laban through the nation’s entering into the Land of Israel.

The purpose of this synopsis was to give the individual an opportunity for reflection about all the kindness that G-d has shown both the Jewish people and each individual, which would lead to a deeper sense of appreciation. True appreciation requires proper reflection. Appreciation, in effect, leads to a greater sense of joy.

Another type of reflection is discussed concerning the tithes. Different tithings were necessary in Israel. Some of these (t'ruma) were given to the priests, and some (ma'aser) were given to the Levites. Other tithings were given to the poor, and some (ma’aser sheni) had to be eaten in Jerusalem.

Towards the end of the fourth and seventh years of the Sh'mita cycle, each person would make a formal statement that he had fulfilled all of his responsibilities concerning the tithes. In this merit he asks G-d to bless the Children of Israel and their land.

Moshe also instructed the people that when they enter Israel, they were to divide into two groups. Six tribes would stand on Mount Gerizim and six on Mount Eival. The kohanim would stand in the valley between the two mountains and announce the blessings and curses that awaited the person who would observe, or fail to observe, certain transgressions that were hidden from other people’s eyes, such as slandering another person behind his back, and other such prohibitions. After each blessing and curse the nation would answer Amen.

Moshe also warned the people in graphic detail of the terrible consequences that await them if they do not follow the mitzvos properly. The mitzvos were not given to the Jewish people merely as a suggested behavior. Rather they were given as instructions for life. Their observance brings great reward; their transgression, however, will bring calamities to the nation, such as disease, exile, and even worse.

These warnings are read each year before Rosh Hashana to remind us to improve ourselves in preparation of the judgment. With the proper Teshuva, or repentance, the difficulties and challenges of the past year will come to an end allowing the new year’s blessings to be ushered in.

“. . . because you did not serve G-d with joy. . .” (Deut. 28:47)

The Talmud relates that Elijah the Prophet once informed Rav Yehoshua that two ordinary looking people in the marketplace were destined to a portion in the World to Come for no other reason than the fact they would bring joy to the downhearted and the destitute.

The Chofetz Chaim and the Gerrer Rebbe were once traveling together by train. When the train reached the station, the Chofetz Chaim peered out the window and saw throngs of people waiting to greet the two sages. The Chofetz Chaim, who always shunned honor, was reluctant to make an appearance, explaining to the Rebbe, that one who seeks honor loses part of his portion in the World to Come. The Rebbe answered, “It’s worth sacrificing a bit of my portion in the World to Come to bring joy to our fellow Jews!”

Did You Know...

During the Ten Days of Repentance, one should be more meticulous in his observance than usual. Even Halachic stringencies that one is not able to observe the rest of the year, should be adhered to during this period. One should be more careful about reciting blessings, both before and after eating, and with greater concentration.

One should also make amends with anyone he has harmed, either financially or emotionally. He should make an effort to personally ask for forgiveness, or at least have a messenger ask for forgiveness. Even if the person who was wronged has passed on from the world, a person must go to the gravesite with a quorum of people, to ask for forgiveness. If he can’t go himself, he may designate a messenger to go to the grave.