1. The Meaning of “Hayom Hazeh” – “On This Day”
In today’s Parsha, in Shlishi of Parshas Ki Savo, we encounter an intriguing verse. The Torah begins with the phrase, hayom hazeh—“on this day”—Hashem Elokecho, Hashem your G-d, commands you to do these statutes and these laws. This is being said by Moshe Rabbeinu just a few weeks before his passing. The question arises: what does “this day” mean? Hashem already commanded the mitzvos at Har Sinai and throughout the years in the desert. Why emphasize “today”?
Rashi explains that every day, the Torah should be as new to you. Even though these commandments were given long ago, we must treat Torah not as something old or outdated, but as something fresh and relevant each day. The Torah is always current and applicable.
2. The Double Language: Guarding and Doing the Mitzvos
The verse continues with an interesting phrase: v’shomarto v’osiso osom b’chol levavcha u’v’chol nafshecho—“You shall guard them and do them with all your heart and all your soul.” At first glance, this seems like standard language found throughout Chumash: guard the mitzvos and do them. However, Rashi is bothered by the apparent redundancy. What does it mean to both guard and do the mitzvos? Isn’t doing them already fulfilling the command?
Rashi offers a unique interpretation here. He suggests that v’siso is not a command but rather a blessing. If you guard the mitzvos (v’shomarto), then you will merit to do them again (v’siso). In other words, if you keep the mitzvos this year, Hashem will grant you the opportunity to fulfill them again next year.
3. The Blessing of Repeating Mitzvos – Focus on Bikkurim
This interpretation is particularly relevant regarding the mitzvah of bikkurim—bringing the first fruits to Yerushalayim. Rashi connects this blessing specifically to bikkurim rather than other mitzvos mentioned previously, such as giving tithes to the poor. While repeating those might not seem like a clear blessing (for example, paying tuition again), bringing bikkurim is an act filled with joy and celebration.
The blessing here is that if you bring bikkurim this year, you will merit to bring them again next year—a sign that your crops will be successful and that you will continue to have abundance.
4. The Deeper Meaning of “Repeat Next Year”
This idea finds expression in our own lives as well. For example, on Simchas Torah people wish each other blessings for another year: le-shana haba'ah—“till next year.” What does it mean when we say “you should repeat it next year”? Is it simply a wish for life itself? Or does it also include a blessing for continued success—crops that grow well, investments that prosper?
If every year there is a heavenly voice blessing us to repeat our mitzvah performance next year, does that mean we live forever? Clearly, it means more than just physical longevity—rather, it encompasses abundance and joy in all areas of life.
5. Mitzvah Performance Brings Blessing and Success
The first fruits symbolize all good things that happen to us throughout the year. Bringing bikkurim is an act of rejoicing over Hashem’s blessings. This teaches us an important lesson: don’t think that performing mitzvos leads to loss or hardship. Sometimes traveling up to Yerushalayim or giving away part of one’s produce may seem difficult or costly.
The Torah assures us that what we give for Hashem brings blessing in return. If you keep the mitzvos (v’shomarto), then Hashem will bless you so that you can continue doing them (v’siso). Fulfilling mitzvos doesn’t diminish us—rather, it brings more life, happiness, success, and everything good.
6. Preparing for Blessings in the New Year
This message is especially relevant as we approach Rosh Hashanah and seek blessings for the coming year. Let us strengthen our commitment to guarding and performing mitzvos so that Hashem will grant us all manner of blessings: l’kesiva v’chasima tova—a good inscription and sealing in the Book of Life for a sweet new year.