1. The Mitzvah of Bikkurim and Expressing Gratitude
In today’s parsha, specifically in Rishon, we encounter the mitzvah of bikkurim—the first fruits. Even as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Torah reading includes passages familiar from Pesach and the Haggadah. The Torah instructs us to bring our first ripened fruits to Jerusalem and offer them to Hashem as a special thank you. This act is not just about internal appreciation; it requires us to express gratitude outwardly, through words and actions. Bringing a gift and voicing thanks demonstrates genuine appreciation and shows that we do not take Hashem’s kindness for granted. This is a foundational concept in Judaism: recognizing and expressing gratitude for the good we receive.
2. Recalling Our History in the Declaration of Bikkurim
When bringing bikkurim, the Torah instructs us to recall two pivotal events from our history: our time in Egypt as slaves, and before that, Yaakov’s ordeal with Lavan the Aramean. The declaration specifically mentions how Lavan tried to destroy Yaakov—Arami oved avi—and how we later descended into Egypt. The Haggadah emphasizes that Lavan was even worse than Pharaoh: Pharaoh decreed only on the males, while Lavan sought to uproot everything—bikesh la'aker es hakol. These two episodes are singled out despite many other miracles and challenges in Jewish history, such as Esav’s threats or the miracles in the desert.
3. Why Focus on Lavan and Egypt?
The Rebbe addresses why only these two events are highlighted when bringing bikkurim. The answer lies in their connection to being settled in the land. Just as bikkurim are only brought once all tribes are settled in Eretz Yisrael, these two historical episodes occurred during periods when the Jewish people were settled somewhere for an extended time: Yaakov lived with Lavan for 22 years, and Bnei Yisrael dwelled in Egypt for over 200 years. These were not fleeting dangers but prolonged challenges faced while living in hostile environments.
4. The Sequence of Challenges: Lavan Before Esav
Another explanation is based on chronology: Yaakov’s first major challenge was with Lavan, not Esav. Although Esav harbored hatred after losing the bechorah, his confrontation with Yaakov came only after Yaakov’s years with Lavan had ended. Thus, bikesh la'aker es hakol—Lavan’s attempt to uproot everything—marks the beginning of Yaakov’s trials, while leaving Egypt represents their culmination before entering Eretz Yisrael.
5. Historical Suffering and Redemption: A Broader Perspective
The Rebbe notes that some groups question why we don’t add new days of mourning for tragedies like the Holocaust beyond Tisha B’Av. One answer is that Tisha B’Av encompasses all subsequent suffering—all later tragedies are rooted in that original exile and destruction. Similarly, all of Yaakov’s later challenges stem from his initial trials with Lavan and then Egypt; subsequent difficulties are part of an ongoing process leading toward redemption.
6. Courage Through Our Journey Toward Redemption
This perspective teaches us that even though there are many hardships along our journey as individuals and as a people, they are all part of a larger process leading toward geulah—redemption. Hashem openly demonstrated His protection during these formative events, giving us courage to face our own challenges today. We must remember that despite setbacks and tribulations, we are moving forward toward the coming of Mashiach.
7. A Blessing for a Good Year
As descendants of Yaakov, we draw strength from these lessons as we approach Rosh Hashanah. May we merit a year filled with health, happiness, success in all areas, and true redemption—kesiva v’chasima tova, a good and sweet year for ourselves and our families.