Ki Tavo: Elul's Final Call – Two Shabbats Until Rosh Hashanah

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, with just two precious Shabbats remaining, I send you this heartfelt message of strength and preparation.

Chazal teach: “If Israel were to keep just two Shabbats, Mashiach would come immediately.”

This is not merely about observance — it is about internalizing the kedushah of Shabbat, bringing calm, serenity, and holiness into our homes. If we can truly embrace these next two Shabbats, Hashem promises us the long-awaited Geulah — the Redemption.

Facing the Tochachah: Lessons from Parashat Ki Tavo

Parashat Ki Tavo brings us face to face with the Tochachah — the tragic klalot (curses) foretelling the destruction and suffering of Klal Yisrael.

There are two such Tochachot in the Torah:

• In Bechukotai (Sefer Vayikra), alluding to the First Beit Hamikdash.

• In Ki Tavo, referring to the long galut following the destruction of the Second Beit Hamikdash — and the tragedies of the past 2000 years.

Why read these before Rosh Hashanah — a time of renewal?

Chazal say it is a tikun, a necessary preparation before judgment. My father, z”l, would explain: The root of Tochachah is toch — meaning "inside." We must take these words deep into our hearts.

Even today — look at the terror and tragedy in Eretz Yisrael. Can we ignore it?

We must ask:

• Could my prayers, my kindness, my actions have made a difference?

• Have I worked toward unity in Klal Yisrael — in my home, with neighbors, with friends?

This is our avodah of Elul — to feel responsibility for one another and to strengthen the bonds of achdut.

The Mitzvah of Bikurim: A Lesson in Gratitude

Ki Tavo begins with the beautiful mitzvah of Bikurim — bringing the first fruits to the Beit Hamikdash.

Farmers would tie a string around the first ripening fruit and later join a joyful, music-filled procession to Yerushalayim, traveling for days just to thank Hashem for one fig, one date, one pomegranate.

Why such effort for a single fruit?

• Gratitude for the First: Hashem desires the first and best — an expression of heartfelt thanks.

• Unity: Villagers traveled together, fostering joy and achdut.

• Acknowledgment: Upon arrival, they would declare: “Arami Oved Avi…” — recalling our national history and Hashem’s constant kindness.

• Submission and Joy: They would prostrate themselves, acknowledging that all blessings come from Hashem. “V’samachta b’chol ha’tov” — only through gratitude can true joy be attained.

Beginning Each Day with Gratitude and Torah

The concept of “the beginning sets the tone” applies to every day.

The Vilna Gaon explains the connection between the morning bracha: “HaMa’avir Sheina…” and “V’targilenu b’Toratecha”:

• Start with Gratitude: We begin with Modeh Ani — thanking Hashem for life.

• Torah First: The desire to connect with Torah should come next, setting the tone for the day.

• Positive Flow: Starting with Torah leads to more mitzvot, while starting with worries can invite negativity.

“I Have Not Forgotten”: The Danger of Complacency

Later in the Parasha, we find the declaration of Ma’aser (tithes): “I have not forgotten.”

Rashi explains: “I have not forgotten to bless You.”

• In times of hardship, we cry to Hashem.

• But in times of blessing, we must be vigilant not to forget Him.

• Gratitude in abundance is the key to sustaining future brachot.

In our tefillah: Modim anachnu lach — we acknowledge Hashem’s kindness, day after day.

The Pomegranate and Rosh Hashanah: Seeds of Merit

Why do we eat pomegranate (rimon) on Rosh Hashanah? “She’yihyu zechuyoteinu k’rimon” — may our merits be as abundant as its seeds.

The word rimon shares the letters of Maron. On Rosh Hashanah, we are judged “kivnei Maron” — like sheep passing one by one.

Three explanations:

• Sheep before a shepherd.

• People ascending the narrow path to Meron (Rashbi’s resting place).

• King David’s soldiers — counted for their courage.

The message: If we see the goodness in others and judge them favorably — Hashem will judge us favorably as well.

“How Beautiful Are Your Steps” — Joy in the Journey

The verse “Mah yafu pa’amayich b’ne’alim” refers to those bringing Bikurim.

Rav Orban explains: It was not the barefoot steps in the Mikdash that were beautiful — but the steps of the long journey, the effort, the joy, the love shown along the way.

Hashem values the process — not just the destination.

The Tochachah reminds us: “Because you did not serve Hashem with joy.” If we cultivate joy and gratitude, we bring light and blessing into our lives.

Stories of Prayer and Transformation

A powerful story: An elderly man, after a hospital stay, cried when receiving a $12,000 oxygen bill — not out of worry, but because he realized how many years he had breathed Hashem’s air for free without gratitude.

Another story:

Forty years ago, a secular couple in Tel Aviv asked a mohel to perform their son’s brit milah — alone, without a minyan. The mohel was brokenhearted. He held the baby and cried for 15 minutes, pouring out heartfelt tefillot for the child’s future.

Twelve years later, the mother came with her son: The boy, despite a secular home, insisted on finding the mohel. He wanted to reconnect to Torah. That child became a true talmid chacham — shaped by the power of those tears.

Elul’s Message: Every Effort Counts

In this season of Elul, let us remember:

• No sincere prayer is ever lost.

• Every act of kindness, every tefillah, every moment of gratitude helps tip the scales for Klal Yisrael and for each of us.

Let us embrace these next two Shabbats with renewed intention — filling our homes with kedushah, achdut, and simcha.

Wishing you a gut Shabbos, a meaningful Elul, and much love from Yerushalayim.