KI TAVO – GIVING YOUR BEST TO G-D WITH COMPLETE JOY

בס”ד

At the opening of our Torah portion, we encounter the commandment of First Fruits, the best fruits that were grown were brought to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (Bikkurim). When the Holy Temple stood,every farmer took these finest fruits—and brought them to G-d out of an expression of gratitude, thanksgiving, and joy. Although this commandment in its practical sense is connected to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and to the People of Israel, its spiritual foundation is universal, directly touching the service of everyone, man and woman.

The commandment of First Fruits teaches us a fundamental principle: our most precious and important assets—time and thoughts—should be dedicated to the service of G-d. When a Noahide awakens in the morning, it is good to dedicate the beginning of the day to thanking G-d for restoring the soul after sleep, praying, contemplating the greatness of the Creator and studying the Seven Noahide Laws. In this way the Creator is at the center of life. Only afterward do they turn to their labor and pursuits, trusting that blessing will rest upon all the work of their hands.

Bringing the utmost of our forces to G-d means recognizing that all abundance and success are not “my power and the might of my hand,” but a direct gift from the Creator. All of this leads to serving G-d out of joy. The Torah emphasizes and commands regarding the First Fruits: “And you shall rejoice in all the good that the L-rd your G-d has given you.”

Joy and gratitude are major principles in serving G-d: “you served the L-rd your G-d with joy and goodness of heart” (Deuteronomy 28:47 ). This genuine joy in what G-d has provided instills a deep sense of trust and tranquility within the human heart, freeing a person from negative emotions such as envy, disappointment, or anxiety when things do not go as planned.

This joy radiates to their entire environment. It imparts vitality and new meaning to every action, bringing joy into practical life. From this inner joy of gratitude to the Creator, may we merit that He will continue to bestow abundant influence, goodness, and blessing, and may we all be blessed with a good and prosperous year..

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

Sources:

Deuteronomy 26:10-11. Rashi, Deuteronomy 26:10. Sefer HaSichot 5748, Vol. 2, p. 636 – Explanation of the spiritual concept of the “first,” serving G-d with joy, and its radiation over the entire course of life.

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN