KI TAVO

PARSHA
MOSHIACH IN THE PARSHA
WEEKLY MESSAGE
TALES FOR THE SHABBOS TABLE #1 #2 #3 #4

Moshiach in the Parsha

Tales for the Shabbos Table

This week's section begins with the words "When you come in to the land that G-d has given you."

According to the Baal Shem Tov it refers not only to the first time the Jews entered Israel some 3,300 years ago but also the last and final time they will do so; in the complete redemption by the Moshiach. (it's the ONLY way all the Jews will return to Israel according to the Maimonides and his commentators (Ravad, Bait Yosef, Radbaz))

If so it makes it doubly hard to understand the strange commandment found here:

Moses, before he leaves the Jews at the border of Israel tells the elders to inscribe the ENTIRE Torah TRANSLATED INTO 70 LANGUAGES on twelve mammoth stones and leave them there near the bank of the Jordan river. Then to do it again and leave the next twelve rocks in the middle of the river (which split to allow the Jews to cross). And then do it a third time on twelve more rocks to be left as a monument in Israel.

What was the point of all this? What has it got to do with entering Israel? In fact what does it have to do with anything?! Who would ever read such stones (especially the ones in the river)?

Here is a story to help understand:

Thousands of Jews were crowded into the huge synagogue of the Chabad Chassidim in Brooklyn New York to hear the Lubavitcher Rebbe speak. And although it was Shabbat and he didn't use a microphone somehow every single person heard every word he said. Not only religious Chassidim but all sorts of Jews were there and even those who didn't understand a word of Yiddish were hypnotized by the awesomeness of the man. It was said that he could do miracles, tell the future and that he never made a mistake, some even said he was the Messiah the Jews had been waiting for thousands of years.

Mr. Dovid Asulin came to see for himself and, although he didn't exactly belive all the stories, he was glad he came. He had been born in Morocco. There everyone believed in Tzadikim; unique Jews who were more G-dly than human. So all this wasn't completely new to him. In fact since he moved to France twenty years ago he had almost forgotten about the Tzadikim and now he felt at home.

This was his first visit to America, he was going for business, and his friends told him that if he wanted an unforgettable experience he had to see the Lubavitcher Rebbe. And it was just as they said.

After about two of listening, with ten minute pauses between topics people began to stand up and form lines to the Rebbe which eventually became one line and when they reached him he would give each one a bottle of vodka.

Mr. Asulin didn't understand that the bottles were only for those people that were making special events throughout the world, he thought that everyone was entitled to a bottle. So he got in line as well!

When it came his turn and he was face to face with the Rebbe, the Rebbe smiled, gave him a large bottle and said in French "This is for the wedding."

He was amazed; how did the Rebbe knew he spoke French! That was astounding, it just verified all the other stories he had heard. The Rebbe certainly had uncanny powers!

But one thing for sure...it also proved he wasn't infallible. Dovid had been happily married for years! What he said about the wedding was clearly wrong.

A week later he returned to France, unpacked, and when he showed his wife the bottle they had a good laugh over what the Rebbe said.

But when he visited his local Chabad house (Rabbi Chiam Malul in Cartel France) the Rabbi didn't agree with Dovid's conclusion and assured him that in time he would see that it was no mistake.

"The Rabbi is certainly a bit brainwashed." David jested to himself, "But he is a nice man, very dedicated. So what if the Rebbe made a little mistake." and forgot the entire incident.

Months later he happened to open the cabinet where he had put the bottle and it reminded him of his experience in Brooklyn. "You know" he said to his wife, "It's a shame that this should just remain unused. Let's make a party, invite all our friends and family and give them all to drink a Le'chiam. It will be fun for everyone and a blessing as well. And I'm sure they will all come."

They began making plans. At first they thought of making the party at their home but at the last moment decided it would be less trouble to move it to the small wedding hall of the local synagogue (in Rancee near Paris) and to have it catered by a local kosher restaurant.

The day of the party arrived and the guests began arriving in good spirits. A small band played happy music and people were exchanging greetings and handshakes. But as they were sitting down to begin the meal the Rabbi of the synagogue entered the room with a smile, looked around for Dovid and when he found him took him aside and whispered something in his ear.

Dovid turned to the crowd and said: "The Rabbi needs nine men to join him to make a minyan. It will only take a few minutes, who wants to come? I'm going to go."

In no time he had the required number following the Rabbi to the next room for what they thought would be prayer (Jews are supposed to pray in groups of at least ten adult males) but they were in for a surprise.

In the room stood a bride and groom alone; it was a wedding!

In fifteen minutes the entire ceremony was over. Dovid and the other men shook the groom's hand, wished the newlyweds 'Mazal Tov' and gingerly asked where the wedding meal would be (they also were wondering why there were no guests but were ashamed to ask).

When the groom answered that no meal had been arranged Dovid joyously announced that they were invited to his. Dovid's informal party suddenly became a real wedding.

The band played merrily and the men began to dance on one side of the room with the groom and the women on the other with his new wife and when the dancing finished they all sat down to eat.

Then in the middle of the meal Dovid stood, held up the Rebbe's bottle, cleared his throat for silence and told the story of the Rebbe saying it was "For the Wedding!". Now he understood that the Rebbe wasn't mistaken at all.

"What!" exclaimed the bride. "That bottle is from the Lubavitcher Rebbe for my wedding?" and she burst into tears; she was weeping from sheer joy.

When she calmed down she explained. This was her second marriage. Her first ended in a bitter divorce that, coupled with the fact that she decided to be an observant Jew, resulted in a major rift in her family and none of her relatives showed up. No one came from her husband's side either but his reason was more simple. He converted to Judaism and simply had no family.

She felt so uncertain and alone that she felt she was going out of her mind. Then someone suggested she write a letter to the Rebbe. And a few weeks ago she did it and in the letter she asked for some sign that the marriage would succeed. "And here you are with the Rebbe's blessing!!"

This answers our question. The entering of the Jews into the land of Israel is like a wedding. Like the bride in our story the Jews felt alone and uncertain; G-d told them that they would no longer have Manna or protective clouds of glory and, for the first time, would have to fend for themselves.

The stones, like the bottle of vodka, were G-d's wedding present.

But the stones alone, even with the Torah written and translated on them, mean nothing. In fact in other places we see that when the Torah was translated (into Greek during the first Temple and some 2,000 years later into German) it brought disaster.

The uniqueness is that G-d commanded it. And He commanded something that would take a tremendous effort and promise no logical results. Writing the entire Torah and seventy translations on rocks!

But G-d was hinting to the Jews that, just as person only begins living a real life after he is married, so the Jews would now begin a real life by overcoming the challenges of the land of Israel.

And the rocks symbolized this goal; to take the entire physical world (rocks) and even all the gentiles (seventy languages) and permeate them with the will of HaShem (Torah). And, like the Rebbe's bottle, gave them the inspiration and power to accomplish it.

And all this was only a preparation for the final marriage; as we say in the wedding blessings "Speedily . may there be heard in the hills of Judah and the extremities of Jerusalem the voice of the Groom (which is Hashem) and the voice of the bride (the Jewish people).

And this will be accomplished only when we do all we can to bring...
Moshiach NOW!!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad, Israel

Torah Online Website: http://www.ohrtmimim.org/torah

back to top

Tales for the Shabbos Table

Again we come to the time of the year when we read the frightening list of ninety eight curses contained in his week's Torah section.

Even the most casual reader can't help but notice that G-d is making some pretty gruesome threats to His people here. And it's no secret that He has carried them out in shockingly large doses throughout the ages.

So it is only natural that this section provides excellent material for rabbinical 'fire and brimstone' speeches designed to scare the wits out of entire congregations before the Days of Judgment.

But the Baal Shem Tov was very opposed to such 'Mussar' (threatening) speeches. He preached that we must stress ONLY the positive side of everything, especially when it comes to G-d's chosen people.

If so what is the positive message in these curses for Rosh HaShanna?

Here is a story to help understand.

Some two hundred years ago the Jewish community in Turkey numbered tens of thousands and was completely observant; there was no such thing as a non-religious Jew in Turkey.

But life wasn't so easy. Jews by definition were second-class citizens and not only that but their very lives were always uncertain. The Arabs were not really very tolerant of those who denied Islam and it seemed that only G-d stood between the Jews and total annihilation by their Arab neighbors that outnumbered them a thousand to one.

Our story begins when a young Turkish Jew named Shlomo got tired of it; living on miracles, separating himself from his gentile neighbors and, most important of all, not getting the attention he thought he deserved from his Jewish brethren.

Although he was often asked to lead the Synagogue in prayer and was always chosen to sound the Shofar on Rosh HaShanna it wasn't enough. He wanted big success in big world.. the REAL world.

With his Arab friends it was completely different. They laughed at his jokes, appreciated his talents and treated him like someone special. And he WAS special.

It wasn't long before Shomo spent all his time away from the Jewish community, enjoying life and hoping for bigger things.

And eventually his big break came. One of the richest Arabs in Istanbul was planning a birthday party for his wife. Somehow Shlomo's name had been brought up as an entertainer and he was invited to play.

He was an instant hit! His witty remarks, clever jokes and charming voice had everyone laughing, dancing and really enjoying themselves and afterwards the invitations came pouring from more and more important people. It seemed to Shlomo that the sky was the limit.

And he was right. One wonderful day he received an official invitation to perform in the palace of the Sultan!

The Sultan!! Wow!! All of the richest and most important people of the land would be there! He had a new suit specially tailored for himself, prepared his best songs and jokes, went, and was a smashing success!

The next day a royal messenger appeared at Shlomo's door with an official letter from the Sultan's palace and a bag of golden coins. He opened it and read: "His Highness the Sultan wishes to thank you and graciously reward you for your wonderful performance last night.

His Highness the Sultan recognizes the talents which Allah has bestowed upon you and wishes to express his gratitude by appointing you to the exalted position as permanent chief royal court musician.

Consequently His Highness the Sultan extends to you the precious opportunity of accepting upon yourself the True Religion of our Glorious Prophet Mohammed as a condition to etc. etc. .

At first Shlomo was flushed with success, but when he saw the last clause he briefly paled. To change his religion? The religion that his parents and generation of Jews sacrificed their lives for?

But then, on the other hand maybe it wasn't so bad.

After all, Islam wasn't really considered idolatry like Christianity. In fact according to some it was permissible for a Jew to pray in a Mosque. So what if they didn't do the commandments? Let the other Jews do the commandments! Shlomo is going to be in the palace of the Sultan, earning a fortune, surrounded by luxury, pleasure and fame! And anyway he had already stopped doing some of the commandments long ago etc. etc.

The next day Shlomo went to the main Mosque, accepted Islam changed his name to Salaman and became a new man with a new job and a new glorious future!

He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. He became rich, popular, and famous. It was like a dream. He always seemed to say the right thing at the right time, his music was the rave of the court and the populous was humming his tunes. And it kept going that way for almost a year.

Then, suddenly the balloon burst.

One day in the middle of a large festivity someone happened to mention that it was the second day of Rosh HaShanna, the Jewish New Year's Day.

The conversation turned to the Jews; 'Salaman' made a few clever remarks and then suddenly got an idea.

"Want to hear what the Jewish New Year is?" He asked rhetorically in a humorous voice.

He went to a large bag of 'tricks' he kept in the corner and pulled out .. "It's a Shofar!!!" He shouted loudly holding it up theatrically for all to see. A holy Jewish Shofar!!!"

The crowd burst into laughter and all eyes were on him as he spun and danced around holding the Shofar high.

"Play a little New Year's tune, heh heh!" chuckled the Sultan.

Shlomo put the shofar to his mouth, the room was silent. He made another humorous comment, everyone laughed then fell silent again .... and he blew a 'T'kiah'; a long straight blast.

The crowd applauded. Shlomo bowed deeply, made another quip, called for silence and explained. "What you have just heard is one of three types of sounds the Jews make on their New Years; a T'kiah; one straight blast.

The one I'm going to do now is called a Sh'varim, three shorter blasts. Are you ready to laugh?!"

Again the crowd fell silent, again he used the silence to make some sort of joke and then when he was sure he had everyone's attention he blew the Sh'varim. The crowd merrily applauded.

"And the third and last" Said Shlomo exaggeratedly is the T'ruah; at least nine very short blasts. Here it goes!!!"

But this time something happened. Try as he could, all that came out was a raspy croak or a flatulent sound. The crowd burst into gales of laughter and Shlomo laughed with them as though he did it intentionally. But when he tried again and again and didn't succeed people began to sense that maybe he wasn't joking.

"Play that thing Salaman!" someone said. "Yes! Show it who the boss is!" yelled another. "Hey, Jew where is your music!" shouted a third.

They were mocking him. He knew he should just stop and make some sort of clever remark but he couldn't; he had to blow that T'ruah. He'd done it a thousand times before, he just had to!!

But the more he tried the more ludicrous he became until it was obvious that he was loosing it.

The crowd began booing him, calling him a stupid Jew, throwing things at him, laughing and laughing until he ran from the room, shofar in hand, out of the Sultan's palace and back to the Jewish quarter in time to hear the last hour of prayer in the Synagogue.

He was so ashamed. He entered the house of prayer, took a prayer shawl, threw it over his head so no one would recognize him and sat in the corner weeping and hating every instant of his past.

Before the prayers ended he slipped outside and that evening, after the holiday he made his way to one of the great Tzadikim in the town to ask him for an explanation. Why was he able to blow all the shofar sounds except the T'ruah? What was so different about that sound?

The Tzadik asked him a question or two and when he understood the whole story he replied.

"Rosh HaShanna is the date that G-d finished creating the world. It reminds us that G-d creates everything anew constantly and that we, the Jewish people, have been chosen by the Creator to lead all mankind in serving Him.

"The Shofar" continued the Rabbi, "is the screaming out of the Jewish soul from a narrow place to a 'wide place' saying; "G-d we are your people, your servants, please be our King!"

"Now, according to Kaballa, each of the three types of Shofar blasts are connected mystically to one of the founding fathers of Judaism; the T'kiah to Abraham, the Sh'varim to Issac and the T'ruah to Jacob.

And that is why you couldn't make the T'ruah.

"The T'kiah, corresponds to Abraham. But Abraham, as you remember, had a son called Ishmael that left Judaism and became the father of the Arabs with their religions.

"The S'hvarim corresponds to Issac. He gave birth to Jacob, but he also bore Asev who also left Judaism and became the father of the Arian
peoples with their religions.

"So you, Shlomo, although you separated yourself from the Jewish people, could make the first two sounds.

"But the T'ruah is connected to the third and final forefather Jacob, or Yisroel as he was later called. His 'offspring were perfect'; the twelve tribes of Israel, and had no connection to anything other than the Creator Himself.

"Because you lost your connection to 'Yisroel' and were unable to make the last sound, the T'ruah."

When Shlomo heard the explanation he was shaken to the very core of his soul. He had to return to his true self, to his true identity as a Jew.

This answers our question.

The curses mentioned in this week's section come when the Jews try to deny their true identity, and obligation, as G-d's chosen people.

The Jews were chosen by the Creator to fill the world with meaning, blessing and joy. But when they refuse, as did Shomo in our story they deny the world all this and bring the opposite; confusion, curses and sorrow.

This also explains the reason the Torah gives for these curses (27:37) "Because you did not serve G-d with joy."

That the Jewish people should feel joyous and privileged to have such an important task because without them the result is chaos, and they are the first to feel it.

So the curses are really showing the Jews what they are saving the world from and to remind them of their true identity. Just as the derision of the Sultan's guests made Shlomo return home.

This is the importance of Moshiach. Only he will awaken true Jewish identity and inspire the Jews to do their job.

Only then will there be true peace in the world. Only then will the 'Great Shofar be sounded' and the land of Israel, the people of Israel and the Torah of Israel will truly manifest the truth,

As we say in the prayers of Rosh HaShanna "The G-d of Israel, is the King, and He rules over all creation".
Moshiach NOW!!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad Israel

Torah Online Site: http://www.ohrtmimim.org/torah

back to top

Tales for the Shabbos Table

The Baal Shem Tov taught that G-d must be served with joy, and that every sentence of the Torah can teach us a lesson in joy. Therefore, he was very opposed to Rabbis that made "fire and brimstone" sermons, especially in the month of Elul, in order to frighten Jews into doing the Commandments.

But this week's section (always read in the month of Elul) contains 98 terrible curses for those who disobey G-d's will. What has that got to do with joy?

Also, this week's section comes out next to "Selichot" (Selichot are very serious "forgiveness" prayers that are said at the end of the month of Elul, just before Rosh Hashanah. The prayers of the first day are the most dramatic) and the birthdays (18th of Ellul) of both the Baal Shem Tov and the first Rebbe of Chabad (the author of the Tanya) Rebbe Shneur Zalman of Laidi. Is there a connection?

Here are three stories to help us understand all this:

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Braditchiv was renowned as a holy man, a great scholar, and a very important leader in the Chassidic movement.

But just after his wedding when he was still young and unknown, his father-in-law, a very influential non-Chassidic Rabbi, invited him to lead the prayers in his huge Synagogue on the first night of "Selichot" to show his congregants how normal and talented his son-in-law was.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak entered the packed Synagogue, walked past the hundreds of somber faces directly to the podium at the front of the room, wrapped himself in the large white Tallis (prayer Shawl), stood for a minute and prepared himself to sing out the awesome opening words "ASHREI YOSHVEI BAISEHCHAW!"

But he didn't.

He didn't say anything. He just stood there looking into the air. Another terrible silent minute passed and then another. The crowd began to buzz
with comments and speculations.

Suddenly he took off the Tallis, laid it back on the podium, smiled, shrugged his shoulders and said in a rather loud voice.

"Listen, if you can learn so well and you can pray so well...So you say Selichot!!!!"

And then he turned and took a seat in the crowd.

His embarrassed father-in-law immediately ran to the podium and began the prayers.

After the services, when everyone had left the Synagogue and they were alone, Rav Levi Yitzchak explained what happened to his irate and bewildered Father-in-law.

"Please don't be angry with me," he said. "It wasn't my fault. I stood to
pray and suddenly I heard a voice deep inside me saying, first mockingly:

"Ahhh the Great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Breditchev, you are so wonderful!! You are the greatest!!"

Then accusingly: "You are a big egotist. How have you the gall to lead such an important prayer!? Who do you think you are?!

I recognized that voice well, it was my evil impulse (selfish ego). I've been working for years to refine my motives and myself, and I thought I got rid of it, but I guess I was wrong.

Leave me alone! I said. Okay, I'm not perfect; maybe I have ulterior motives too. But what about all the Torah I've learnt? That was purely for HaShem! And what of all the hours I've spent in prayer. That was selfless, wasn't it?! In the merit of my Torah and my Prayer I order you to leave me alone!!

Aha! That's what you think! it answered. All the time I was right there learning and praying with you, telling you how great you are and what a big reward you'll get in this world and the world to come.

So I thought for a while and said, Nu! You know what? If you know how to learn so well and to pray so well...So YOU say Slichot!!"

Here is a second, even stranger, story.

In a certain village lived an old, rich, Jewish couple that where arrogant and stingy. They were religious, but that didn't seem to improve their personalities. In fact the opposite was true, they felt that now that they were observant they were protected from above as well as below. Of course everyone was afraid to say a word to them, and they continued acting like little dictators.

It so happened that one of the more famous followers of the first Rebbe of Chabad (Rabbi Shneur Zalman), called Rabbi Shmuel Munkis, heard about them and decided to take action.

Each day before Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Jews say a series of prayers called Selichot. The first of which is at midnight after the last Shabbos of the year.

Rabbi Munkis traveled to their town after that Shabbos, and arrived at their house about an hour before this first Slichot prayer. He knocked on the door, and introduced himself as a very famous and learned Rabbi who was visiting their town, and heard that only they were worthy of his presence.

He was indeed a very distinguished person, and he really looked like it dressed in his best Shabbos garments. So inflated with pride, they begged him to enter.

He majestically accepted their offer, and once inside he royally announced, "Show me my room, I would like to rest".

They rushed to escort him to their special guest room. He pretended to lie down to sleep and told them to close the door.

An hour later midnight was approaching, and when they saw that he wasn't coming out for Slichot they cautiously knocked at the door of their honored quest.

"Ehhh!!" he yelled out from inside. "You're bothering me, stop bothering me!! Let me sleep!"

They were puzzled. "He is probably very tired from the road" said the husband. "It could be that he is a bit ill as well" added his wife knowingly. "He looked a bit pale, poor man. He probably is constantly busy with very important things".

She knocked again and called out in a louder voice, "Rabbi. Please excuse us but in just a few minutes will begin Selichot; we don't want you to miss Selichot! Excuse us please honorable great Rabbi! Please get up for Selichot."

"Ehhh?" He yelled out again as he opened the door and poked his head out squinting his eyes. "What are Selichot? Why are you bothering me with your nonsense! Why don't you let me sleep!?"

The astonished couple looked first at one another then gazed in open-mouthed disbelief at their guest.

"Fooya!!" Shouted the woman. "What kind of Rabbi are you that doesn't know what Selichot are! Fooya!! Shame on you!!" She was a bit surprised at herself for her sudden outburst, but after a second thought she realized how very justified she was.

"Nu? Said Rav Shmuel, his head still sticking out of the door. "Maybe you tell me then! What are Selichot?"

Now it was her husband's turn to get angry. "You call yourself a Rabbi ehh?! Feh! Why you don't even know what Slichot are? Fooya! Feh!!"

"Nu? So tell me?" repeated Rav Shmuel.

"Why, Selichot are prayers we say to G-d asking that He give us a good year" said the man indignantly. "That our cows should give milk, chickens should give eggs, that we make money!"

His wife stood with hands on her hips, staring alternately at him and then at the Rabbi shaking her head in agreement.

"WHAT!!??" Shouted the Rabbi as he opened the door revealing that he had never even lain in the bed. "Grown adults waking at midnight to pray to the King of the Universe for eggs and milk! Feh!!"

Suddenly they realized that he was right, how selfish they had been! Their whole lives they had only thought about how G-d could serve them and never about serving G-d.

This answers our questions. Our Parsha explains that the reason for all the curses is "Because you didn't serve G-d with joy" (28:47).

Joy means feeling that you are worthwhile and what you are doing is important. When there is joy, even the most difficult of tasks is possible. But when it is lacking, everything is a burden.

There is no more difficult or important task than serving the King of the Universe; it requires overcoming many obstacles both from internally and externally. Serving G-d means not only learning Torah and doing His commandments, but also refining one's personality and loving your fellow< man, and without joy it is impossible (hence the curses).

And that is the point of these two stories: Rabbi Levi Yizchak is an example of refining oneself uncompromisingly through joy, and Rabbi Munkis of loving others uncompromisingly through joy.

That explains how to derive joy from reading the 98 curses.

The reason that G-d curses only the Jews so prolifically, is to remind us of their special purpose and deep connection to Him; they are called sons, chosen, holy, special. Therefore G-d expects a lot from them and if they let him down they anger Him.

In other words, these curses remind us how WORTHWHILE and IMPORTANT we are, and that should bring us to joy.

But why do they have to be written as curses? Why not blessings?

The answer is that a curse in its source is higher than any blessing we can understand.

The story is told that the First Rebbe of Chabad (whose birthday is on the 18th Ellul) used to be the one to read the Torah aloud in the Congregation every Shabbos. It so happened that one Shabbos, (this week's section Ki Tavo) he wasn't in town and someone else read.

The Rebbe's son, who was less than thirteen years old at the time, fainted when the reader got to the curses and was ill for several weeks thereafter.

Later he explained why. "It was the first time I ever heard the curses, when my father read I didn't hear curses."

In other words the job and the NATURE of the Rebbe (and every Rebbe) was to reveal the true holy, joyous source of everything. Especially the curses. Because a curse transformed to blessing is the highest type of blessing.

May G-d send the Moshiach and transform all the curses we see all around us and that we have been experiencing for the last 2,000 years into blessings for a good, healthy, happy, sweet New Year.

Moshiach NOW!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad Israel

back to top

Tales for the Shabbos Table

This section is unique because it contains ninety-eight curses awaiting the
Jewish people if they refuse to serve G-d.
Here the intelligent reader will probably ask himself, “Why so many
curses?” Why can’t G-d just make one big curse like: “If you don’t do my
commandments I’ll do terrible things”? Why such morbid detail?
Even more; in Parshat ‘Bhaalotcha’ (see our Torah website) G-d already gave us forty-nine curses! Why do we need another list twice as long?