Sephardic Center of Englewood

Congregation Ahavath Torah

All are invited to a Sit down Kiddush this coming Shabbat Ki-Tavo following the morning service. It will take place in the Eckstein Social Hall.

The Kiddush is sponsored by Lisa and Tiran Nahari on the occassion of the Yahtzeit of Tiran's father Yihyeh ben Yihyeh-Zecharya A"H.

Kiddush and Seudah Shlisheet Contributions are welcome. Please send checks to the office with memo to Sephardic Kiddush Fund. Volunteers are also needed to help with the setup of the Kiddush.

Please get in touch with Zion Levy.

Sunday, August 29, 2010:
5:00AM and 7:00AM Selichot
5:47AM and 8:00AM Shacharit

Monday, August 30, 2010 to Friday, September 3, 2010
5:05AM Selichot
5:50AM Netz Minyan

 
Weekly Dvar Torah

by Rabbi Mordechai Gershon, Intern Rabbi, Congregation Ahavath Torah

Parashat Ki Tavo begins with the mitzvah of·bikkurim. This mitzvah requires the Jewish people to ascend to the Bet HaMikdash every year and give the first of their crops (bikkurim) of the seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates) to the Kohanim. Immediately after giving his first fruits to the kohen, one must publicly thank Hashem for all of the good bestowed upon him by reciting pesukim that describe a brief historical review from the time of Ya’akov Avinu to Yetziat Mitzrayim. The passage concludes with the following sentences: “And Hashem took us out from Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, with great awe, and with signs and wonders. And He brought us to this place and He gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruits of the land that Hashem gave me…” (Devarim 26:8-10) It seems quite logical that there should be an agricultural mitzvah that would instill upon every Jew the understanding that Eretz Yisrael is Hashem’s gift to the Jewish people. Yet, beneath the surface of this mitzvah is a great lesson. Why isn’t it sufficient for the one who brings bikkurim to simply thank Hashem for giving our people the land and for giving him his crops? Why do we need to recite a general outline of Jewish history? Additionally, why is this text of the Torah included in the Pesach Haggadah? What is the connection between the holiday of Pesach and the mitzvah of bikkurim? In order to discover the answers to these questions, we need to understand the lesson that the story of Yaakov and Lavan teaches us. The pasuk says “arami oved avi – an Aramean destroyed my father.” This is a reference to Lavan the Aramean who aspired to kill our forefather Yaakov. In the Ritva’s commentary to the Haggadah, he explains that, although Lavan did not actually kill Yaakov, the pasuk considers it as though he did. TheTalmud Yerushalmi (Pe’ah 1:1) explains that the evil intentions of wicked people are considered as though they were carried out. Yet, despite Lavan’s desire to bring about the demise of Yaakov, Hashem thwarted his plans. In the end, Yaakov was not only saved, but he even succeeded in raising a large, strong family and acquired many possessions. Hashem removed Yaakov from the threat of his enemies and the darkness of Lavan’s house. Despite the bleakness of his situation, he always maintained his faith in Hashem and ultimately merited to see the light at the end of his long, dark tunnel.

Yet, just as Hashem saved Yaakov Avinu from his tribulations, Hashem also saved Am Yisrael and brought them out of Egypt with great wealth. The Ritva suggests that this is a fulfillment of the concept - “Ma’aseh Avot Siman LaBanim – the occurrences of the forefathers are a sign of the future of the children.” Perhaps this passage is read at the night of the Pesach Seder to remind us how far Hashem has taken us. “In every generation an enemy arises to destroy us, but Hashem saves us from their hands” (Pesach Haggadah). However bleak things may be for the Jewish people, they can always be assured that in the end, Hashem will save them and make them successful. In our generation, as in those which preceded us, nations stand against us and openly declare their desire to destroy the Jewish people, chas v’shalom. Yet, like Ya’akov Avinu and our forefathers in Egypt, we must remain strong in our faith that Hashem will ultimately save us and help our nation to succeed. When farmers reap the first fruits, it is easy to look at the agricultural success and mistakenly think how great we are. After all that hard work – plowing, planting, watering, reaping, look at what I have done! The bringing of the bikkurim and recitation of these pesukim highlight the fact that it was Hashem who saved Klal Yisrael from Mitzrayim, brought them out with great wealth, and then gave them the land in which they prospered. At the time of reaping the first fruits of our labor, we must recognize that, although we put in our effort, they are truly the fruits of Hashem’s will. Our successes must coincide with a recognition that all achievements occur with both human effort and Divine assistance. It is very fitting that this lesson is taught just before Rosh HaShana, for the Talmud tells us “all of a person’s income/nourishment are determined on Rosh HaShana.” This year, may we all merit to recognize that all of our success comes from Hashem, the Source of all blessing, and see both the salvation of all Am Yisrael as well as tremendous spiritual and material success.