1. Experiencing Mitzvos as New Every Day
In Parshas Ki Savo, the Torah uses the phrase “that I command you today” repeatedly. Hashem is essentially telling us that we should always listen and submit ourselves to Him as if it is a new opportunity each day. Rashi comments that this phrase isn’t just a historical note—it’s a directive for every generation: every day, the mitzvos should be as fresh and compelling as if we were entering into the covenant for the very first time.
Rashi emphasizes that each day, it should be in our eyes as though we are coming to the covenant anew. This isn’t just poetic language; it’s an instruction for how to approach our relationship with Hashem and His mitzvos. We shouldn’t see them as old stories or obligations we already know, but rather as something vibrant and new, deserving of excitement and commitment.
2. The Power of Renewed Enthusiasm
Rashi further explains on the words “hayom hazeh”—“this day”—that every day, the Torah should be as beloved to us as if we received it today. When something is new, people naturally feel more enthusiasm and invest themselves with greater spirit and energy. That freshness brings out a deeper level of involvement than when something feels routine or familiar.
This perspective transforms our avodah—service of Hashem. Instead of performing mitzvos by rote, we approach them with renewed passion, as if we are encountering them for the first time. This is not just an ideal but a practical tool for spiritual growth.
3. Moshe’s Final Instructions and Their Timeless Message
Toward the end of his life, Moshe Rabbeinu gathers Bnei Yisrael and instructs them once again to keep all the mitzvos. This occurs at the end of forty years in the desert, during his final month. Even after all their experiences, Moshe continually reminds them that they must fulfill all of Hashem’s commandments.
Some parshiyos focus on specific mitzvos, but here Moshe emphasizes keeping kol hamitzvos—all the mitzvos. The Torah uses language like “laleches”—to go or to walk—which Rashi explains means not just performing mitzvos but allowing them to move us from one spiritual place to another. Our avodah should elevate us, bringing us to higher levels in our connection with Hashem.
4. Preparing for Rosh Hashanah: Renewal and Growth
The timing of these parshiyos is significant: we read them in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. The messages are meant to help us get ready for a new year by focusing on renewal and self-elevation. Every day is an opportunity for a fresh start, but especially now as we approach Rosh Hashanah and prepare to begin again.
This week marks a transition point: we have moved from the first half of Elul into the second half, having just completed the third day of Elul. Today also marks an important anniversary—the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim on Gimmel Elul in 5657 (1897). It’s a time that naturally lends itself to reflection and recommitment.
5. Applying These Lessons in Our Lives
This period calls on us not only to review these parshiyos but also to internalize their lessons in our own lives. We need to approach Torah study and mitzvah observance with a sense of renewal, using what we have learned from Chassidus about personal growth and self-refinement.
The goal is not simply to repeat what we have done before but to elevate ourselves through our avodah each day, making every moment count as if it were truly new. In this way, we prepare ourselves properly for Rosh Hashanah and set the tone for a year filled with inspiration and connection to Hashem.