B"H

Monday, Elul 11, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / August 28, 2023

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

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 possess it and dwell in it.  You shall take of 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 would thank G-d for taking the Jewish people 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, applies at all times, through Tzedakah (charity), to give generously.Also, when performing a mitzvah, we should buy the best. For example, the Mezuzah, the Tefillin and the Talit we wear for prayers 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 what 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 some 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 whatever G-d has given us.

Q.   How can a person always be happy and rejoice? How can a person rejoice when giving away his/her hard-earned money to charity?

A.   The Torah gives us the answer in this verse, "And you shall rejoice in all the good which G-d has given you."  A person who believes that whatever he or she has is a gift from G-d [“in all the good which G-d has given you]," will not be jealous of others and thus truly rejoice and be satisfied and happy in life. Recognizing that whatever we have is all G-d’s gift to us, makes it easier to share our gifts with others who are in need.

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 IS wealth!

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