Parsha
Date: 15 Elul 5785/ 8.9.25
Parsha: Ki Tavo: Deuteronomy 26:1-15
📖 What Happens in Deuteronomy 26:1–15?
This part of the Torah is about what the Israelites should do once they enter the Land of Israel—the special land that Hashem (God) promised to them.
🌾 Bringing the First Fruits (Verses 1–11)
Hashem tells the people that when they grow food in the Land of Israel, they should take the first and best fruits and bring them to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). This is called Bikkurim.
When they bring the fruits, they say a special speech that reminds them of their history:
- Their ancestor Yaakov (Jacob) went to Egypt.
- The Israelites became slaves there.
- Hashem saved them with miracles.
- He brought them to a good and rich land.
This speech helps them remember that everything they have is a gift from Hashem.
Then, they celebrate with joy and share their food with others, especially people who might not have enough—like the Levites and foreigners.
💰 Giving Ma’aser (Tithes) (Verses 12–15)
Every third year, the Israelites must give a special kind of tzedakah (charity) called Ma’aser Ani—a tenth of their crops to help poor people.
After giving it, they say a prayer to Hashem, asking Him to bless the land and the people because they followed His commandments.
🧠 Learning Points for Children
- Gratitude: The Israelites thank Hashem for the land and the food. We can learn to say “thank you” for what we have.
- Sharing: Hashem wants us to share with people who need help. Giving tzedakah is a mitzvah!
- Remembering Our Story: The speech reminds us of our journey—from slavery to freedom. It’s important to know where we come from.
- Joy in Mitzvot: The Torah says to be happy when doing these mitzvot. Doing good things should make us feel proud and joyful.
💬 Takeaway Messages
- Everything we have is a gift from Hashem, and we should use it to help others.
- Giving and sharing are not just nice—they’re part of what makes us a holy people.
- Being thankful helps us stay connected to Hashem and to our history.
- Doing mitzvot with happiness makes the world a better place.
🧠 What Rabbi Sacks Teaches About Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–15)
🌾 A Nation of Storytellers
Rabbi Sacks explains that Ki Tavo is about telling our story. When the Israelites bring their first fruits to the Temple, they don’t just give them—they tell a story. They say how their ancestors went to Egypt, became slaves, and were saved by Hashem. This is called Vidui Bikkurim—a special speech of thanks.
Rabbi Sacks says this is very important because:
- It teaches us to remember our history.
- It helps us understand who we are.
- It makes every Jew a storyteller—someone who shares the journey of the Jewish people
✨ Key Ideas for Children
1. We Are All Storytellers
Rabbi Sacks says that Moshe (Moses) was not just a leader—he was a storyteller. He told the people their history so they would never forget it. And now, every Jew is part of that story.
“Judaism is less about truth as system than about truth as story. And we are part of that story.” – Rabbi Sacks
2. Memory Is Powerful
Rabbi Sacks teaches that memory is different from history. History is about what happened to other people. Memory is our story—it’s personal. That’s why we say at the Seder, “We were slaves in Egypt.” It helps us feel connected.
3. Gratitude and Joy
Bringing the first fruits is a way to say thank you to Hashem. Rabbi Sacks describes how people came to Jerusalem with music and celebration. It was a happy mitzvah!
💬 Takeaway Messages for Children
Tell your story: Whether it’s at the Seder or in school, sharing the Jewish story helps us stay connected.
Be thankful: Like the Israelites, we should thank Hashem for the good things in our lives.
Remember where you come from: Knowing our history helps us understand who we are and what we stand for.
Celebrate mitzvot with joy: Doing good should make us feel proud and happy.
Around the Shabbat Table
🥇 Question 1: Why do the Israelites bring their first fruits to the Temple?
Answer:
They bring the first fruits to thank Hashem for giving them the Land of Israel and for helping them grow food. It’s a way to show gratitude and remember that everything we have comes from Hashem.
Follow-up for discussion:
Can you think of something you’re thankful for this week? How can we show gratitude in our own lives?
📖 Question 2: Why do the Israelites tell the story of their journey from Egypt when they give the fruits?
Answer:
They tell the story to remember where they came from and how Hashem helped them. It reminds them that they were once slaves and now they are free in their own land. This helps them stay humble and grateful.
Follow-up for discussion:
Why is it important to remember our family or Jewish history? What stories do you know about your ancestors?
💝 Question 3: What does this parsha teach us about helping others?
Answer:
It teaches us to share what we have with people who need help—like the poor, the Levites, and strangers. Giving tzedakah (charity) is a mitzvah and shows kindness and responsibility.
Follow-up for discussion:
What are some ways we can help others in our community? Have you ever done a mitzvah that made you feel proud?
Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy
The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.