Parshat Ki Tavo
[Numbers] are mitzvot in Sefer HaChinuch

KOHEN - First Aliya - 11 p'sukim (26:1-11)

When we come to the Land and settle it, we are commanded to take of the First Fruits [the mitzva of Bikurim has already been counted] of the "Seven Species", put them in a basket and go to The Place (the Mikdash). We are to go to the Kohen on duty, announce our presence and present him with the basket. He shall take it and place it before the Altar. We are then to recite the "Bikurim  passage" [606].

SDT - Bikurim were placed in a basket - TENE. Numeric value = 9+50+1 = 60. Baal HaTurim points out that the recommended amount to give as Bikurim is 1/60.

SDT - It is said of Bikurim: "Do this mitzva, for in its merit you will enter the Land". The Ari HaKadosh singles out Bikurim as the mitzva which is the "tikun" (repair) for the Sin of the Spies. Bikurim has a Torah-ordained, built-in recitation that helps us to focus our thoughts in a particular direction. With this recitation, the Jew identifies himself with his Jewish Heritage and announces to one and all the centrality of Eretz Yisrael in G-d's plans for the People of Israel.

Bikurim is one of the mitzvot expressly to be accompanied by simcha - the joy we are to feel when (hopefully not "if") we realize that all we have comes from G-d; the joy which we hopefully will have for all mitzvot. G-d's admonition later in the sedra is that "we fail to serve Him with joy".

All Land-related mitzvot are special. But Bikurim makes the
statement that we are glad to be here. Being happy about  the prospects of being in Eretz Yisrael grants us the "z'chut" to be here. Joyfully thanking G-d for being here helps "repair" the opposite attitude as expressed by the 10 spies and echoed by the multitude. Bikurim is a prime example of "Hakarat HaTov", recognition and acknowledge ment of the good that was done for us by G- d. This lesson too must be applied to other areas of mitzvot and life in general. May we soon be privileged to bring Bikurim with all the joy and Jewish pride that says that we are truly pleased to be chosen by G-d as His People and that we are genuinely thankful for this wonderful Land.

The first four p'sukim of the Bikurim recitation form the main text for the Pesach Seder; they summarize the Egyptian enslavement and subsequent Exodus. The fifth pasuk speaks of coming to Eretz Yisrael. This corresponds to the fifth term of redemption and is represented by the cup of Eliyahu. We all bring Bikurim (including the Levi and the convert) with feelings of joy and thanks to G-d for all we have.

The pasuk implies that Lavan was responsible for our going down into Egypt, yet Yaakov returned to his father's house after the time spent with Lavan, and only many years later ended up in Mitzrayim. Commentators point out the following sequence: Lavan deceived Yaakov and gave him Leah as a wife instead of his beloved Rachel. When Yaakov subsequently married Rachel too, there developed a rivalry between the two sisters. This rivalry transferred to the next generation in the form of the problems between Yosef and his brothers. Yaakov's giving the Striped Coat to Yosef
fanned the jealousy that ultimately led to Yosef being sold into slavery. His descent into Egypt later brought the whole family down there. Therefore, Lavan IS the appropriate beginning of that process, hence the verse: ARAMI OVED AVI,VAYERED MITZRAIMA.


LEVI - Second Aliya - 4 p'sukim (26:12-15)

After one has completed proper separation and distribution of T'ruma, Ma'aser, and Ma'aser Ani (during the third and sixth year of a Shmita cycle), one is required to formally declare that none of the "holy produce" remains in his possession and that it was actually given to its intended recipients [607]. This declaration is made on the last day of Pesach in the fourth and seventh year.

The declaration referred to above is known as VIDUI MAASER, literally "confession of the tithe". The word "vidui" implies sin. Yet the statement that the individual makes seems completely free of sin. "I have removed the sacred from my home, and I have given to the Levi, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, as you have commanded; I have neither violated a commandment nor forgotten anything (that I was suppose to do). I have not eaten of the sacred foods improperly, nor have I defiled them in any way; I have listened to G-d's Voice; I have done all that I was commanded." Why would such a statement be referred to as Vidui? HaRav Soloveichik Ztz"l, suggested that the key word (twice uttered) is K'CHOL, like all, not KOL, all.

The statement of Vidui Maaser declares that the person has done ALMOST all that has been required of him. Furthermore, the statement implies that the individual did
only that which he was required to do, and did not (often) go beyond the call of duty. These two implications might be responsible for the appellation VIDUI.

What an important message as we approach Rosh HaShana!

It is forbidden to eat Maaser Sheni (the second tithes of years 1,2, 4,5 of a Shmita cycle, which remain the owner's property but which must be eaten "with sanctity and ritual purity" in Jerusalem - or be redeemed) while one is amourner [608] or during a tate of ritual impurity [609] (the person and/or the food). It is also forbidden to use the redemption money of Ma'aser Sheni for purposes other than food and drink in Jerusalem [610]. The literal meaning of this prohibition is not to use the money for "the dead". This can narrowly apply to shrouds, casket, etc., but is also generalized to include all non-food uses.

We next call upon HaShem to "look down" upon His People from on high and bless us and the Land of Israel. [We have kept our promise, You keep Yours.]


SH'LISHI - Third Aliya - 4 p'sukim (26:16-19)

This short portion is a summary of our relationship with G-d. We are to keep, preserve, observe, practice all the mitzvot, statutes, laws which Moshe has reiterated for us, with all our hearts and souls. We have pledged allegiance to G-d, promised to follow His ways [611] and to listen to Him. He pledges to take us as His "Chosen Nation" and to elevate us above the nations of the world - IF we keep His mitzvot.


R'VI'I - Fourth Aliya - 10 p'sukim (27:1-10)

Moshe Rabeinu and the Elders command the People concerning the inscribing on 12 pillars of stone the words of the Torah (parts thereof; the Book of D'varim or parts of it); this to be done upon crossing the Jordan. Subsequently,  another set of pillars is to be erected and inscribed on Har Eval where an altar is to be built (of whole, uncut stones) and sacrifices are to be offered. Moshe and the Kohanim next declare to the People that they have grown into complete nationhood at this point, with all the
mitzvot of the Torah having been reviewed. Privilege of nationhood goes hand-in-hand with the responsi bilities of keeping the mitzvot.

Moshe, the kohanim and Leviim, say to all the people, "on this very day you have become G-d's nation". Rashi says that the Torah emphasized THIS VERY DAY, to teach us that our commitment to Torah and mitzvot should be as if
we have entered into a covenant with HaShem on this very day - everyday. We are challenged to freshen our Judaism constantly.


CHAMISHI - Fifth Aliya - 22 p'sukim (27:11-28:6)

Moshe describes what will happen after the People enter the Land. Six tribes will stand on Mt. Grizim and six on Mt. Eval. There they will hear the blessings and curses that will be the fate of those who keep or don't keep the Torah and mitzvot. Twelve curses are enumerated in this portion touching upon many diverse areas of Jewish life including "between Jew and G-d" as well as interpersonal mitzvot.

AMEN = 1+40+50 = 91. G-d's Name as it is spelled: 10+5+6+10 = 26. G-d's Name as it is pronounced: 1+4+50+10 = 65. Combined: 26 + 65 = 91. The Baal HaTurim says that "he who answers AMEN is greater than the one who says the Bracha, because AMEN is a double Name of G-d.

Once again, Moshe Rabeinu tells us that following G-d's
commandments will earn us superior status among the nations of the world. We will also be showered with blessings for hearken ing to G-d's voice. We will flourish
economically and agriculturally, and be blessed with a healthy increase in population.

The blessings begin with the letter BET - BARUCH. The curse begin with the letter ALEF - ARUR. This is how some commentators explain the large BET of the opening word of the Torah - B'reishit. G-d wanted to start the Torah on a
note of blessing, not the opposite. (On the other hand, the Aseret HaDibrot do begin with an Alef. Perhaps the strict nature of the Sinai Experience needed to begin with the more sober and somber Alef.)


SHISHI - Sixth Aliya - 63 p'sukim (28:7-69) - Longest single Aliya of any sedra

The blessings continue with the promise of victory over our
enemies. G-d will "command" His blessings upon us and the Land, and will establish us as a holy nation. This, on condition that we keep the mitzvot and follow in G-d's ways.

[The Torah's expression "Vehalachta b'drachav" is repeated here - emulating G-d is defined as being kind, merciful, charitable, etc.]

The nations of the world will see the special relationship we have with G-d, and be appropriately reverent towards us. G-d's heavenly treasure- house will open for us and we will flourish. G-d's blessings are condi tional upon keeping the mitzvot.

"But, if we don't listen to G-d..." Thus begins the Tochacha". The admonition against disobedience of Torah. There is a custom of reading this part in a low voice because of how devastating it is to realize that G-d needs to warn us in such
graphic terms, what will happen if the Jewish People do not remain faithful to Him. Unfortunately, we need these harsh words of reproach. Unfortunately, they have turned out to be prophetic more than once. The Tochacha is contained within one Aliya (resulting in the longest Aliya in the Torah) so as not to prolong the discomfort in hearing it.

The first portion of the Tochacha is the negative mirror image of the blessings previously pronounced in the Torah. The p'sukim then proliferate and describe in shocking and grisly detail that which will occur if we do not remain
faithful to G-d. The final verse of the Aliya reiterates the "simple" but eloquent covenant with G-d: Keep the Torah and all will be good, if not...

The contrast between the "good times" that Bikurim conjures up and the terrible times as described in the Tochacha is overpowering and frightening. It is the
difference between contentment and respect on the one hand, and despair, devastation, and degradation on the other. Prosperity in our own Land versus poverty and exile. The key to the difference is Torah & Mitzvot.


SH'VI'I - Seventh Aliya - 8 p'sukim (29:1-8)

Moshe Rabeinu calls to the People, and tells them that they now have seen (and know) all that has happened from the Exodus through the forty years of wandering until this very moment. It is incumbent upon us to keep our "deal" with    G-d.

"And G-d did not give you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear, until this very day."

There is an implication in this pasuk and those that follow, that having come out of Egypt, having witnessed the miracles there, the crossing of the Sea, and having stood at Sinai to experience Divine Revelation was not quite sufficient to really understand and appreciate what was going on.

It is this new generation that stands on the threshold of Eretz Yisrael, which has additional experiences behind it - the miracles of the Manna and the other miracles of the 40 year sojourn, the victories over Sichon and Og (and Emori), the taking of their territory for the two and a half tribes - all this, added to the previous generation's experience, combine to make this new generation aware and knowledgeable on "this very day".

The role of the "lessons of the 40 years" for the community, have an interesting counterpart for the individual. Pirkei Avot says BEN ARBA'IM L'BINA - at age 40, a person is capable of under standing (that's more than knowing).

Haftara - 22 p'sukim - Yeshayahu 60:1-22

This is the 6th of the Seven Haftaras of Consolation, all coming from the book of Yeshayahu, from chapter 40 on, where he changes mood from a prophet of tragedies to a prophet of consolation and redemption. The uplifting message of the haftara is the coming of the Geula, when G-d will restore His People to the Land and the nations and peoples of the world will flock to Jerusalem to pay homage to G-d and His People.

Towards the end of the portion is the famous verses quoted in the introductory mishna to each chapter of Pirkei AVOT (actually it is a mishna from Sanhedrin), that indicates that all of Israel have a share in the world to come.

The concluding words of the haftara are enigmatic: "...I Am G-d, in its (the redemption) time I will hasten it."

Will the Mashiach come in his appointed time, or sooner?

That depends upon us. If we enhance the overall conditions of Jewish Life, increase Torah observance, improve relations between Jew and his fellow - then we might be privileged to an "early" arrival of the Mashiach and the Geula. If we do not lay the proper groundwork for his coming, then he will come in his (pre-ordained) time.

[There is a notion that things will be much smoother if we hasten the coming of Mashiach. If we are not ready at his appointed time, then rough times (wars, tragedies, etc.) will be unavoidable.]

This is a major part of our Elul challenge. We have it within our power to hasten the Mashiach. Let's do it.

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