by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana
Finally Home.
The opening verses of this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, describe a ceremony of “first fruits.” Standing still in the wilderness, Moses envisions a time to come in which the people will be beyond war and want – a settled time when farmers can tend to their fields in the Promised Land. Flowing with Milk and Honey, the good land will provide for all the people’s needs. But there is something they must do in acknowledgement. “You shall take some of every first fruit of the soil, which you harvest from the land that your God YHVH is giving you, put in a basket and go to the place where your God YHVH will choose to establish the divine name.” (Deut. 26:2)
There, the one who has worked the land and grown the food makes a public declaration – known in the Mishnah as Mikra Bikkurim ,“The First Fruits Recitation” : “I acknowledge this day before your God YHVH that I have entered the land that YHVH swore to our fathers to assign us.” (ibid., 3)
Now, this is a strange statement to make! Well, of course he is there. How could he bring the first fruits otherwise?!
Nachmanides and others suggest that the statement is really an expression of thanks to God for fulfilling the promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. Generation after generation repeats the formula – acknowledging that we come from wandering stock and recognizing, with thanks, that we are home.
The close of Shabbat this week brings us to the Days of Awe. Most of us will find ourselves in our spiritual home, the synagogues which inspire us, surrounded by the people who support us. Family, friends, a congregation of worshipers we know or have not yet met – the Gates are Open and we are home. It is easy to take it for granted. But our tradition teaches us to always stop and give thanks.
So this year, when you walk through the gates, when you enter your sacred home – stop for a moment and acknowledge before the Holy One, Source of All Being that you are here; that you are home. Give thanks for the family and friends and sacred community you have and bring your first fruits: the core of your strength, your finest spirit with you.
You are Home.
May the light of the Shabbat and Holy Day candles brighten all our lives.
Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana is Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Portland, OR.
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