A Beracha for Your Home

Our Sages comment on the two different expressions used in the Torah with regard to the Jewish Nation’s entry into Eretz Yisrael. In Devarim (11:29), the pasuk reads, “It shall be when Hashem brings you to the Land to which you come, but (26:1), the pasuk reads, “It will be when you enter the Land…”

The change serves to remind us to always remember that Hashem bequeathed us with Eretz Yisrael. Hashem is the owner and everything belongs to Him. Otherwise, it would be difficult for one to set aside bikkurim to bring to the Kohen, just as it would be challenging for a person who has just received a $10,000 check to immediately set aside one thousand dollars for tzedakah. However, if the person keeps in mind that everything belongs to Hashem, and knows the money is only entrusted to him, it is easier for him to tithe. That is why the person bringing bikkurim states (ibid. 26:10), “And now I have brought the first fruit of the ground that You have given me, Hashem ….” It also reinforces our obligation of hakaras hatov – acknowledging the good that we receive from Hashem.

The Medrash (Bereishis Rabbah 1:4) expounds that the world was created in the merit of three mitzvos, one of them being bikkurim – bringing the first fruit of one’s harvest, even from a single tree in a small garden, to Yerushalayim to present to the Kohen.

HaGaon Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that it is impossible to adequately thank Hashem for His largesse, as everything belongs to Him. The least we can do is to ensure that we do not deny His goodness, which we fulfill by bringing the bikkurim. By doing right by Hashem we are acknowledging His kindness. For example, Hashem gives us the gift of hearing, so we must be careful not to listen to lashon hara; He gives us the gift of sight and we must guard what we see.

Concerning ma’aser (tithing), the Torah uses a double lashon (Devarim 14:22), “aser te’aser,” signifying that a person should be generous when he gives tzedakah. Our Sages add that one who gives charity will merit to become wealthy.

The grandson of the Chida affirmed that his grandfather was extremely scrupulous in setting aside ma’aser from any income he received. He had a special box, labeled ma’aser, into which he put that portion, before he took the remainder of the money. Especially before Pesach and Succos, the Chida would distribute the tzedakah. When the Chida passed away, the box was opened. Inside were some notes, including instructions to guarantee that the proceeds of any of his sefarim that were sold should be tithed.

The Chasam Sofer writes that the merit of tzedakah and benevolent acts is much greater than some others mitzvos which allow a person to enjoy their reward in this world. One who fulfills the mitzvah of charity is assured good in this world and being saved from misfortune. He is permitted to test Hashem with this mitzvah, which is not the case with any other mitzvah, as it says (Malachi 3:10), “Test Me, if you will, with this … if I do not open up for you the windows of Heavens and pour out upon you blessing without end.”

Every year at the end of the summer season, one of the yeshiva camps brings their oldest boys to me for a “farher,” an oral test on their Torah learning, after which I offer them a dvar Torah, an inspirational story, and a personal beracha for each one. The boys very much enjoy this experience, which is followed by the camp’s treat to a special activity.

This year the rebbe requested a special beracha for one of the boys who, he said, had done exceptionally well. When the boy left to board the bus, the rebbe remained behind to speak to me. He related that after Shavuos he had invited the entire class to join his family for a Shabbaton. During the following week, this boy had asked the rebbe if he could come again for Shabbos for the meals. It was an unusual request, but the rebbe readily agreed. The boy came, and seemed very excited to be there. The following week he again requested a Shabbos invitation. The rebbe wondered whether his parents didn’t miss his participation at the Shabbos table, but the boy said his parents were very happy that he enjoyed the Shabbos meals with the rebbe and his family.

Concerned, the rebbe called the boy’s house. The mother expressed their appreciation for the everything the rebbe was doing, and especially for the Shabbos meals. “Don’t you want him at your table?” the rebbe asked.

A long stretch of silence ensued, until the mother said with a tremor in her voice, “We don’t really have much of a Shabbos here, with very meager meals. We have very little income and as a result we begin to argue at the Shabbos table about the finances, which really should not be brought up in front of Yossi. That’s why he wants to come to you. He tells me the food, your peaceful Shabbos table, the treats you give out. It’s a dream for him to be at your table, not at ours.”

As he concluded relating this, the rebbe asked, “Is there any help we can give this family?”

I immediately arranged doing just that. The situation was especially touching, considering that all this boy sought was a Shabbos seudah he could enjoy.

I appeal to all of our loyal readers and friends of The Jewish Press who have graciously responded in the past, to open their hearts once again to join me in helping those in the community who are in dire financial straits. There are families, individuals, and children who need our encouragement, our support, and our monetary assistance so that they can rejoice this Yom Tov along with the rest of Klal Yisrael. Please assist me in this great mitzvah.

I personally administer and distribute the monies from the special Yom Tov Fund I have established directly into the hands of those who are most in need.

In the zechus of your contribution may you merit blessing and success, good health, nachas, happiness and prosperity. You may also include the names of anyone in particular who is in need of shalom bayis, shidduchim, refuah, parnassah, etc., and I will say special prayers on their behalf. May we be worthy, with all of our tefillos, to celebrate a good, healthy and joyous New Year. May we see an immediate resolution to the current situation that plagues the world, and blessing and peace for Klal Yisrael. Amen.

Please send your contribution to Khal Bnei Yitzchok Yom Tov Fund, c/o Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, 1336 E. 21^st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210. Donations can also be Zelled to 718-954-4343.