5th September/Ellul 5780—Parshat Ki Tavo
Adults’ Birthdays:
Michael Edelstein—3rd September Hayley Nurick—3rd September Simon Assor—9th September
Rabbi Dov Birnbaum
Dear Friends,
Children’s Birthdays:
Anniversaries:
Noa Pleaner — 3rd September Jaydi Silver—3rd September Albie Jackson—6th September Gabriel Pleaner—8th September Shiri Edwards—9th September
Daniel & Diana Braham—7th September
We are all still reeling from the continued effects of covid19. As we slowly start to piece our lives together and return to a semblance of normality we find that everything is more complicated than it was before. But we persevere because we know that we need to get back to normal. Because lockdown was a temporary measure and we cannot live our lives on zoom. So as our children (finally!) start school and we have a few moments to think, I’d like to suggest that it is time to return to Shul. There is a relevant lesson from the mitzvah of Bikkurim in this week's parsha. The farmer takes a basket of his first fruits, stands before the Kohen in the Beis Hamikdash and says "I have declared today that we have come to the land that Hashem promised to us." This statement seems puzzling; surely the farmer is making the declaration right now and should say "I declare today" why is it written in the past tense "I have declared today"?
Earliest Candle Lighting: 18:17 Latest Candle Lighting: 19.26
The Kli Yakar answers that sometimes actions speak louder than words. The farmer has put in years of work to get to the point where his trees produce fruit. His natural inclination would be to pat himself on the back and congratulate himself on his success. Instead, he takes his first fruit to Jerusalem and presents them to the Kohen! With the fulfilment of this mitzvah the farmer has learnt an invaluable lesson - however much work we put in to anything, our ultimate success or failure is solely in the hands of Hashem. By taking his first fruits to the Kohen he has demonstrated this in the most powerful way. It is not enough for him to stay at home and talk about it – he has to go to the Beit Hamikdash and that itself is the most powerful declaration. As we approach Rosh Hashanah let’s remember that our actions speak louder than words. I know that attending Shul in the covid19 era has its challenges and am aware that for some members of the community it is simply not possible. But for those of us that can come, let’s make the effort – because there is no greater declaration of our commitment and faith than simply showing up.
Davening Times Shabbat ends 8:27
Shabbat Mincha: 6:45
Rebbetzen’s Note This week’s parsha is
Ki Tavo (in the book of Devarim) Highlights of the parsha include:
The Bnei Yisrael are commanded to bring the first of their fruit to Hamikdash, and to deliver all tithes to their proper recipients.
Hashem designates the Jewish people as his chosen nation.
Moshe explains how the blessings and curses are to be proclaimed on Mount Grizzim and Ebal when the Jewish nation enters Israel.
The blessings Bnei Yisrael receive from keeping the commandments of the Torah are outlined.
The calamities that will happen by disregarding the Torah are described in detail.
Shabbat Shalom
Moshe instructs the people of Israel: When you enter the land that Hashem is giving to you as your eternal heritage, and you settle it and cultivate it, bring the first ripened fruits (bikkurim) of your orchard to the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple), and declare your gratitude for all that Hashem has done for you. Why is this so important? it seems like a funny thing to instruct them to do. I think the reason is, when we create things with our own hands, we have the illusion that it is our power, our strength that cultivated it. Yes of course, we need to put in the effort otherwise nothing would happen. But in truth Hashem is the only one that enables it to come to fruition and we give the first fruits to Him to remind ourselves how reliant we are.
Good Shabbos
Love Rebbetzen Tehilla x