Tuesday, Elul 14, 5777 / September 5, 2017

This Shabbat we read Parshat Ki Tavo.  The Parsha begins with the mitzvah of "Bikurim" – the offering of the "First Fruits" to the Kohen. 

The Torah states: "And it shall be, when you come to the land which the L-rd your G-d will give you for an inheritance, and you will posses it and dwell in it.  You shall take from the first of all the fruit of the land which the L-rd your G-d gives you and you shall put them in a basket and go to the place which the L-rd your G-d shall choose to cause His name to dwell there [Jerusalem]." 

Once in Jerusalem, the basket with the first fruits was given to the Kohen (priest). The person bringing the basket of fruit had to thank G-d for taking the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt; for all the miracles which G-d has done for the Jewish people, and for bringing them, "To this place and giving us this land, a land that flows with milk and honey."

The Torah concludes the mitzvah of Bikurim with the following, "And you shall rejoice in all the good which the L-rd your G-d has given you and to your household." 

The mitzvah of bringing the first fruits to Jerusalem does not apply today, as we do not have the Holy Temple. Yet, the spirit of Bikurim, that we must give G-d the first and the best, applies at all times.  For the mitzvah of Tzedakah – charity, is to give of the best and to rejoice when giving. 

Also, when performing a mitzvah we should buy the best.  For example the Mezuzah, the Tefillin and the Talit we wear for prayers, etc., should be of the finest quality. 

The mitzvah of Bikurim teaches us that before we enjoy the bounty and blessings which G-d gave us, we must first give back to G-d the portion which belongs to Him. This is accomplished by giving the first fruits to the Kohen, whose sole duty was to serve in the Holy Temple. Bikurim is another form of Tzedakah, giving back to G-d of that which He gives us, through giving and helping others.

The Torah says, "And you shall rejoice in all the good which the L-rd your G-d has given you." The mitzvah of Bikurim teaches us to be happy and rejoice with what G-d has given us. Each of us, when looking objectively, can find plenty of good in their lives which G-d blessed them with. 

A person who believes that whatever he or she has is a gift from G-d [“in all the good which the L-rd your G-d has given you]," will not be jealous of others and thus truly rejoice and be satisfied and happy in life.

Our sages say; "Who is a wealthy person, one who is happy with his lot!" It’s not wealth which brings a person satisfaction and happiness, rather happiness and satisfaction in itself is the greatest wealth!

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & A SHANA TOVA