1. The Blessing of Hashkifa Mim’on Kodshecho
In this week’s Parsha, we encounter a powerful blessing and prayer that the Jewish people direct to Hashem: Hashkifa mim’on kodshecho min ha-shamayim, uvorech es amcho Yisrael—“Look down from Your holy dwelling place, from the heavens, and bless Your people Israel.” Rashi explains that this request follows a declaration by the Jewish person who says to Hashem, “I have done everything You have asked of me.”
The Torah details the various gifts required from someone who works hard in his field—plowing, sowing, and tending to his crops. After all this effort, when he finally sees produce, he is commanded to give away Bikkurim—the first fruits—to the Kohen, as well as Terumah, Maaser, and other portions. Some are brought to Yerushalayim for rejoicing, others are given to the poor. The person keeps giving from his hard-earned produce as Hashem has commanded.
After fulfilling all these mitzvos, we turn to Hashem and say: “We have done what You decreed upon us. Now we ask You to do what You promised.” This refers to Hashem’s promise in the Chumash: “If you follow My statutes, I will give rain in its time,” ensuring success in all our endeavors.
2. The Unusual Language of Hashkifa
The Torah uses an interesting expression here: Hashkifa—“look down.” Rashi notes that this word appears earlier in Chumash Vayera (Bereishis 18:16), where it describes the angels looking toward Sedom before its destruction. There, Hashkifa is associated with negative consequences.
Rashi points out that whenever the Torah uses the term Hashkifa, it generally signals something harsh or negative—with one exception: here, where it is used for blessing. Why is this case different? Because of the greatness of giving gifts to the poor (Matanos Aniyim). This act has such power that it can transform Hashem’s attribute of anger into mercy.
Even though Vayashkifu usually implies judgment or anger from above, when it comes after acts of generosity toward those in need, it brings about compassion instead. The strength of these mitzvos is so great that they can reverse even strict judgment into kindness.
3. Joy in Giving and Its Transformative Power
This idea connects with what is stated immediately before our verse: “Osisi k’chol asher tzivisoni”—“I have done everything You commanded me.” Rashi adds: “Somachti v’simachti bo”—“I rejoiced and I made others rejoice as well.”
The Torah isn’t just speaking about gifts for the poor (Matanos Aniyim) but also about all types of tithes given to Kohanim and Leviim. However, there is a special emphasis on making others happy—Somachti v’simachti. It isn’t enough for a person to rejoice alone; he must bring joy to others through his giving.
This teaches us that helping those who have less—whether through monetary charity or by uplifting their spirits—brings about tremendous blessing. Charity isn’t limited to financial support; making someone feel good or brightening their day is also a form of Tzedakah. Sometimes making a poor person feel valued is even greater than giving money itself.
4. The Manner of Giving Matters
The way one gives charity makes a significant difference. If you give with a pleasant countenance and kind words, you receive far more blessing than if you give begrudgingly or with a sour face. The Torah encourages us not only to fulfill our obligations but to do so in a way that uplifts others.
This approach aligns with Rashi’s explanation: when we say Somachti v’simachti bo, it means we didn’t just fulfill the mitzvah technically but did so with joy and brought happiness to others as well—a key factor in invoking Hashem’s mercy.
5. Turning Judgment Into Mercy Through Kindness
The special power of giving joyfully and supporting those in need can transform even strict judgment (Midas HaDin) into compassion (Midas HaRachamim). When we help others wholeheartedly, especially those less fortunate (Aniyim: strangers, orphans, widows), our actions arouse divine mercy above.
This is why the Torah uses the unusual language of Hashkifa mim’on kodshecho min ha-shamayim. Even though this phrase typically connotes severity or anger from above, here it becomes an expression of blessing because our acts of kindness have such transformative power.
This lesson carries through into our prayers for a good inscription and sealing—Kesiva v’chasima tova v’shana tova—a sweet new year filled with Hashem’s blessings as a result of our generosity and care for others.