Ki Tavo | כי תבוא | "When you come in "
Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8
Prophets: Isaiah 60:1-22
Gospel: Luke 23:26-56
Bikkurim or first fruits symbolizes that we are to give everything we have in service to our God.
Adam was in charge of the bikkurim (first fruits) of the Garden of Eden. Had Adam not eaten of that first fruit he would have lived forever with a perfect body. The bikkurim should bring healing into our lives. This is why tithing shall be forever linked to God's Holy Spirit. We have access to that healing...
Jewish farmers take their most precious harvest in hand, and remind themselves how it came to be. Rather than self-congratulation for their resourcefulness and success, they consciously, even demonstrably, thank God for this produce.
Rabbi Ari Kahn
Is it a commandment to rejoice?
You shall rejoice in all the good that God has given you and your household...(Deut. 26:11)
The concept of "simcha" (שמחה) or happiness in Judaism is very important. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said that all our problems derive from sadness. When a person is sad, he frees his emotions while שמחה (joy) can release a persons creativity and brings him/her closer to God.
How can we be joyous when we are wrapped up with so many problems and when each of us is struggling with life and its meaning?
Here's how.... "In all the good that God has given to you."
If we take a moment to look deeper at our lives, if we count our blessings and see all the good that God has given to us, we will see that we can put away the sadness that keeps us from worshipping.
What does it mean to "walk in His ways"?
(Deut. 28:9). We are to strive to adopt all of the characteristics and virtuous actions that are attributed to God. Following His commands is not enough....We must not only focus on what we do but also on who we are.
#HeSaidFollowMe
