The question arises as to why G-d would emphasize the observance of the Torah before bringing
We are currently in the Jewish month of Elul – a time of preparation leading up to Rosh HaShanah, and the following High Holidays. The reason we have the month of Elul is because G-d is concerned about order and protocol. The entire Torah is about the proper order and protocol of living out our lives in the presence of HaShem. As such, we cannot just come marching into the High Holidays and expect to just shout out, “Here I am!” We have an opportunity for a mo’ed, a divine set apart time when G-d chooses to meet with us. Such an opportunity requires preparation on our part.
One of the several themes of Rosh HaShanah is the coronation of G-d as King. If we were to be summoned before an earthly king or queen, wouldn’t we want to prepare ourselves and make sure we were at our best? Then how much more so should we be preparing to meet with the King of the Universe! We have been given an opportunity to meet with G-d. The month of Elul is our preparation period to ensure that when we stand before G-d on Rosh HaShanah, that we are coming at our best, and have prepared ourselves to be in the presence of G-d. We must get ourselves right, so we can stand upright before HaShem.
That is the purpose in Ki Tavo. The Jewish people were given the Torah before coming into the Promised Land because coming into the Land meant coming before G-d. The
You are to take the first-fruits of all the crops the ground yields, which you will harvest from your land that HaShem your G-d is giving you, put them in a basket and go to the place where HaShem your G-d will choose to have His Name live (Deut. 26:2).
G-d has chosen the
Reb Josh,
I know you did'nt meen for this post to be a commentary on the, anarchist movement, however it did cause me to reflect on a couple of conversations with secular jewish friends resently. I decided to respond here, reflecting on your last few posts at the same time. I don't know if anyone else will connect with me but as I connect the dots. After reading this post I'm moved to step-up the intensity of my prayer for our secular brothers and sisters as preperation to wish everyone L'Shanah tovah tikateivu.