B"H

Tuesday, Elul 16, 5781 / August 24, 2021

Shabbat we read Parshat Ki Tavo (Deut. chapter 26). The Parsha, like the rest of the Torah was said while Jews were still in the desert. It begins with the mitzvah of "Bikurim" - offering of the "first fruits".  This mitzvah applied only after they conquered the Promised Land and settled it, which took 14 years.

The Torah states: "When you come to the land which G-d your G-d will give you for an inheritance, and you will possess it and dwell in it. You shall take of the first fruit of the land which G-d your G-d gives you and put them in a basket and go to the place which G-d will choose His name to dwell there.” 

The basket of fruit was brought to the Temple and given to the Kohen (priest). The person would thank G-d for taking Jews out of Egyptian slavery and for all the miracles G-d has done for the Jewish people and, “For bringing us to this place and giving us this land, a land that flows milk & honey."

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

Although the mitzvah of Bikurim doesn’t apply today, as we have no Temple, yet, the lesson and message of this mitzvah is valid today.

The mitzvah of Bikurim teaches us that before we enjoy the bounty and blessings which G-d gives us, we must first give back what belongs to Him. This is accomplished by giving a share to Tzedakah and providing for the poor and needy.

"And you shall rejoice in all the good which G-d your G-d has given you." The mitzvah of Bikurim also teaches us to be happy and rejoice with whatever we have. 

Q.   How can a person always be happy and rejoice?

A.   The Torah gives us the answer in this verse, "And you shall rejoice in all the good which G-d your G-d has given you."   

A person who thinks that whatever wealth they accumulated is their own doing may feel that they could have done better etc, and thus be unhappy. A person who believes that whatever he or she has is a gift from G-d, then they 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 their lot!" 

It is not wealth which brings a person happiness. It is happiness and satisfaction which produces wealth!

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

& SHANA TOVA – A HAPPY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR