Parashat HaShavua - Ki Tavo

In Pirkei Avot (tractate of the Mishnah), Ben Azzai teaches that one should always run towards the opportunity to perform any mitzvah (commandment), irregardless of whether that mitzvah is one of weighty or light importance. Ben Azzai explains that the reason for this is:

מִּצְוָה גּוֹרֶרֶת מִצְוָה, וַעֲבֵרָה גוֹרֶרֶת עֲבֵרָה

[the performance of] one mitzvah (commandment) leads to [the performance of] another mitzvah and [the performance] of one sin to another sin. 

In other words, there is much riding on your initial action. Ben Azzai wants you to choose well - run, or better yet, sprint in the direction of even a simple or minor mitzvah, rather than a transgression. For that initial act will have great impact and consequences.

In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we read the blessings and the curses that God (through Moshe) presents before the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land. In introducing these blessings, the Torah states (Deuteronomy 28:1):

וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקוֹל֙ ה׳ אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

And now, if you listen/obey God’s words (voice)

The word שמוע is repeated twice - often translated for an emphatic read: if you surely obey or if you surely listen.  Nechama Leibowitz (20th century, Israeli bible scholar) directs us to a comment Rashi offers in response to Exodus 19:5 where God, also repeating the word שמוע, calls upon the Israelites to obey the commandments, keep the covenant, and be God’s holy nation. In this context Rashi writes: 

אִם עַתָּה תְקַבְּלוּ עֲלֵיכֶם, יֶעֱרַב לָכֶם מִכָּאן וָאֵילָךְ, שֶׁכָּל הַתְחָלוֹת קָשׁוֹת.

If you will now take upon yourselves the observance of My commandments, it will be pleasant (easy) for you from now and henceforth, for all beginnings are hard.

As we begin this school year, may we all - teachers, parents, and students - remember that all beginnings and all transitions are hard. Let us commit ourselves to make choices now that will fill our year with possibility and with opportunity.

And - I am extremely mindful this year of our 40th anniversary. A decision forty years ago to establish a school. One decision that took tremendous wisdom, foresight, and leadership. Indeed, מִּצְוָה גּוֹרֶרֶת מִצְוָה (one mitzvah leads to another), that year had ripple effects for years to come - some that we are already reaping the benefits of, and some that continue to be unknown and we will work to pursue for the forty and more years ahead. 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Dahlia Kronish
High School Associate Head