Ki Tavo The Power of Teshuva and Gratitude: Preparing for Yom Hadin

(2022)

Two Shabbatot, Infinite Possibilities – Embrace the Opportunity

As we approach the final Shabbatot of the year, our hearts begin to stir with awe and anticipation. This Motzaei Shabbat, we recite Selichot with trembling voices and hopeful hearts, knowing that Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, is drawing near. Chazal teach us: “Ilmalei shamru Yisrael shtei Shabbatot… miyad nigalin”—if only Am Yisrael would truly keep two Shabbatot, we would be immediately redeemed.

We are gifted with these last two Shabbatot before Rosh Hashanah—precious windows of opportunity to show Hashem how much we honor, treasure, and uplift Shabbos Kodesh. Now is the time to elevate ourselves spiritually and emotionally, to demonstrate our love for mitzvot, and to approach these holy days with joy, not despair.

Rina V’Tefillah – Why Joy Comes First

As we recite Selichot, we say: "Lishmoa el haRina v’el haTefillah”—“Listen to the song and the prayer.” The order is striking. Shouldn't we pray before we sing?

The answer lies in the word Rina—song imbued with simcha (joy). Hashem wants our prayers to come not from a place of sadness or fear, but from joy and optimism. Even in a year filled with loss and uncertainty, this time before Rosh Hashanah is a new beginning.

Tichleh Shana V’kileloteha – Let the Curses End

Parashat Ki Tavo, which we read before Rosh Hashanah, contains the Tochacha, a long list of rebuke and curses. Why do we read these painful verses now? Chazal say: “Tichleh shana v’kileloteha”—Let the year and its curses end, and let the new year and its blessings begin.

When tragedies strike—whether on a personal, communal, or global level—we often feel powerless. But our Sages urge us to take these moments to heart: Tochacha comes from the root toch—inside. The Torah isn’t just rebuking; it’s awakening us. What can I do differently? How can my actions—my tefillah (prayer), my growth, my care for others—impact the world?

The Gift of New Beginnings

One might ask: why does Hashem judge us on the first day of the year, rather than the last? Wouldn’t it make more sense to reflect on the past and conclude the judgment at year’s end?

But Hashem, in His mercy, chooses Rosh Hashanah to be a day not just of judgment, but of renewal. The moon is hidden. The sky is veiled. Nothing is revealed. And yet Hashem says: Start anew. Begin again. If you do teshuva (repentance), if you commit to growth—everything can change.

Bikurim and the Power of Gratitude

Parashat Ki Tavo opens with the mitzvah of Bikurim—bringing the first fruits to Yerushalayim. Why such pomp and ceremony for a few figs or pomegranates?

Because this mitzvah embodies Hakarat HaTov—acknowledging and expressing gratitude. Rich or poor, each person carried their basket with pride, accompanied by music, joy, and public thanks to Hashem.

This teaches us: don’t focus on what's lacking. Look at what is. As we near the end of the year, instead of seeing the glass half-empty, let us recount our blessings:

• I woke up this morning.

• I can walk, breathe, speak.

• I am surrounded by people who care for me.

• I can daven. I can connect with Hashem.

Psychologists echo this ancient wisdom: Start each day with a gratitude list. Write 10 or 50 things you’re thankful for. Train your mind to see the good—and your whole perspective shifts.

Tefillah – Every Word Matters

Hashem hears every tefillah. Even if you feel your prayers haven’t yet been answered, know that each word has value. Every tear is gathered.

That’s why Hashem gave us the shofar. Its narrow mouth and wide opening symbolize this: even if you feel constricted, even if you have no words, let the sound of the shofar pierce your heart. Just cry out to Hashem—and everything can change.

Perek Lamed-Gimel: Hashem Sees You

Tehillim 33, a chapter filled with awe and hope, describes how Hashem judges the world: “From heaven He gazes upon all of mankind.” Though billions of people exist, Hashem looks at each one of us with hashgacha pratit—individual attention.

On Rosh Hashanah, we pass before Hashem kivnei maron—like sheep counted one by one. Hashem sees us as one united people, ish echad b’lev echad, and at the same time, as unique souls with unique missions.

Your chesed (kindness), your tefillah, your smallest act of kindness—it matters. And not just for you. The ripple effects are eternal. When you bring comfort to one person, when you inspire one moment of growth, Hashem counts all the future good that comes from that one act as your merit.

A Call to Action: Enter the New Year with Joy and Faith

Let us take these days before Rosh Hashanah to heart:

• Elevate your Shabbos observance.

• Choose simcha and gratitude.

• Pray with belief that your words matter.

• Hear the shofar with an open heart.

• Remember: your actions create worlds.

As we approach Yom Hadin, let us not be paralyzed by fear—but be empowered by hope. Hashem is waiting to bless us with a year of yeshuot (salvations), simcha (joy), and shalom (peace). Let us come forward, united in heart, and ready to grow.

May this year end with its hardships, and may the new year begin with only good. Ketiva v’Chatima Tova!

Dedicated l’iluy nishmat Rav Shlomo ben Reb Yitzchak, zichrono livracha.