Tuesday, Elul 12, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / August 29, 2023

In this week’s Parsha, Ki Tavo, we read about the rewards for adhering to G-d's commandments as well as the punishments for not observing the mitzvot.  The Torah even speaks harshly of those who observe the mitzvot, but do not observe them with happiness.

Q.   Why is it so important that the mitzvot (G-d’s commandments) be observed with joy and happiness?

A.   The Magid of Dubna gives the following parable:  Two merchants were traveling together from the fair.  One was a jeweler and the other a book dealer. 

On the way they stopped off at an inn.  The jeweler was very hungry, so he asked the porter to bring his merchandise to his room while he went into the dining hall to eat.

The porter mixed up the merchandise and delivered the heavy crate of books to the jeweler's room.   Exhausted and dripping with perspiration, he came to the dining hall and asked the jeweler for his pay.

"You made a mistake," said the jeweler to the porter, "you delivered the wrong package!"

"But how do you know?  You haven't even been to the room?" wondered the porter.

"My merchandise is not the kind which would cause exhaustion and sweating!"

The same is with mitzvot which, as our sages say, are more precious than diamonds.  The way one performs a mitzvah is a sign of how they view G-d’s mitzvot. 

When a person looks at a mitzvah as a privilege and an honor to perform G-d’s commandment, they perform them with joy and happiness, for G-d is the source of life and joy.

Q.    What is the significance in that, on Rosh Hashana, the Shofar is blown from the narrow end while the wide end of the Shofar is pointing upward?

A.    One of the verses from the Psalms recited before the sounding of the Shofar is, "Out of distress I called G-d; with abounding relief, G-d answered me." The narrow side of the Shofar represents our call of distress, while the wide end of the Shofar, which is pointed upward, represents G-d's answering our call of distress with abounding relief.

Q.   After reciting the Kiddush at the Rosh Hashana evening meal, we recite the Hamotzi-blessing over the Challah-bread.  But instead of dipping the slice of bread in salt, as we do all year, we dip it into honey.  Why do we dip the Challah-bread into honey on Rosh Hashana?

A.    It is to express our plea and desire for a sweet and happy new year.  Besides honey, we also eat food whose names resemble good and happy meanings.  Through these symbolic foods, we pray that

G-d grant us a good and sweet year.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

& A SHANA TOVA – A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SWEET NEW YEAR