A New Beginning Awaits

September 4-5, 2014 / 21 Elul 5775

Shabbat Ki Tavo

Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 / Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22

“A New Beginning Awaits”

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion begins with the words, ‘Ki tavo,’ which is often translated as ‘when you come in’ or ‘when you arrive.’  It refers to the entrance of our Israelite ancestors into the Promised Land.  But, my translation is, ‘when you begin a new phase of your life.’  You see, when the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land, we may think that they have completed the journey that began with the Exodus from Egypt.  We imagine that once they have arrived they lived happily ever after.  End of story.  Yet we know from the Bible text that, while entering the Promised Land closed one chapter in our history, a whole new chapter began.  The story did not end.  A new stage began.  ‘Ki Tavo – when you begin a new phase of your life.’

The High Holidays provide the moment of ‘new beginning’ for each of us.  You see, now, during the days the Jewish month of Elul, we are supposed to look back, evaluate our lives, make amends, and finish old business. Soon, when we reach the High Holidays, we will not be at the end of the story.  Rather, we will look forward and start a new chapter in a new year.  ‘Ki Tavo - when we begin the next phase of our lives.’

So take some time now to look back on the past year.  What can you learn about yourself?  What needs correction and who needs an apology?  What changes need to be made? When? How do you envision the next phase of your life that will begin in a few short weeks?  What adventures and new experiences await us in the new year, the next chapter of our lives?

L’shana tova – I wish you all a healthy, happy, blessed, and abundant New Year.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow