VOLUME 112 NUMBER 7
Elul 17, 5784
September 20, 2024
PARSHAS KISAVO
Candlelighting Time 6:41
This week we are introduced to the mitzvah of bringing the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash. The farmer brings them and places the basket brimming full of his produce by the altar expressing his thanksgiving to Hashem for his bounty. He articulates a litany of previous episodes in our history regaling the kindness of Hashem throughout our past. Afterwards he leaves his gift for the Kohen and proceeds back to his field returning to the humdrum of life. However, nothing could be further from the truth. We request from Hashem that He looks down upon us from His Heavenly abode and bless us with all that is good. Also, we receive a guarantee that we will merit to bring again our first fruits to Hashem. What is so significant about this mitzvah that the renumeration is so great? Additionally, he states that ‘now’ he has brought the first fruits and placed them in from of Hashem. What is meant when he says that now he has brought them. Isn’t that quite obvious from the setting that is occurring?
Kli Yakar explains that this mitzvah constitutes an inspiring declaration of acceptance that Hashem is the supreme ruler of the world. Although other tithes are offered to the Priests however, this particular contribution is placed next to the altar of Hashem in the Beis Hamikdash. That represents that the person is drawing near to Hashem, in other words, he is humbling himself by stating that Hashem is the true and only source of his livelihood and everything in general. He quotes the Abarbanel that he leaves his basket with the fruits as well showing that nothing belongs to him.
The verses later on describe that we have venerated Hashem. Nachmonides enlightens us with an incredible understanding of this passage. Moshe announces to the nation that they have accepted upon themselves the entire Torah in all of its details and he resolves to fulfill all the mitzvos. In doing so we have exalted Hashem and amplified Him that there is no other power in all of the cosmos that is of any significance. Therefore, in response to our acceptance it quantifies as a renewal of receiving the Torah on Mt. Sinai. It’s truly amazing how a few delicious fruits can accomplish such a magnanimous achievement! However, truth be told it is not the fruits but the rather the attitude which has realized such an incredible plateau of elevation of the spirit.
K’sav V’Habalah adds that in stating that Hashem has given us all the mitzvos it clearly denotes that we have a favored nation status. We are beloved in the ‘eyes’ of Hashem and therefore He conveys to us the entirety of all the mitzvos. Whereas the nations of the world are only presented the seven Noahide mitzvos the fundamental modicum of service to Hashem as they are unworthy of such a prominent subsistence. We are treasured and in turn we must realize the opportunity to utilize that potential to its fullest. As we approach the new year with hopes and aspirations of peace in Eretz Yisroel, good health and prospects for a bounty in our economic situations, we also understand that when we portray ourselves to Hashem on Rosh Hashanah with a notable pride in observing the mitzvos and serving Hashem, then we provide the needed merit for another year because we appreciate the anticipation that Hashem has for us.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
We are advised when we daven for anyone for any reason we must include them in our prayers for the entire nation. In that merit the prayers will be answered.
CHOFETZ CHAIM;
GOOD SHABBOS
AS WE CONTINUE TO DAVEN FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ERETZ YISROEL WE MUST REMEMBER THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE ANSWERED WHEN WE INCLUDE THEM IN THE SAFETY FOR OUR ENTIRE NATION IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES. ANTI-SEMITISM IS ON THE RISE AND THE ONLY TRUE WAY TO DEAL WITH IT IS THAT HASHEM SHOULD PROTECT US FROM ALL HARM.
