Rabbi's Parsha Shiur

SHABBAT KI-TAVO

And you shall take from the first fruits of the land (26:1)

The Ba’al ha-Akeidah writes that one cannot be a good Jew without recognizing that all blessings come from G-d, and material prosperity is not our doing.  Any other approach leads to rebellion against  G-d and the final result is woe and pain.

For this reason the Torah warns us to be careful.  After having lived in the land and enjoyed its bounty, we must not erroneously conclude that our own strength and acumen brought us material success.  “As time passes, it will be easy for you to mistakenly ascribe your successes to your own efforts and you will forget that it is G-d who has brought you all that you have.”  It is therefore incumbent upon you to do something that will remind you that the land and all that is on it belongs to G-d  and was given  by G-d as a present to you, and your success is because of His constant intervention.

A Jew must take the first fruits of the land that he might think is his.  He has to show that he recognizes that really, the land and its produce belong to G-d.  Bikkurim, similar to other offerings that man brings from his first efforts, is a true indication that the Jew understands that G-d owns all, and we are His humble servants.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Jonathan Horowitz