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The power of a congregation
One of the most moving prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the “U’Netaneh Tokef”. It spells out that on Rosh Hashanah it is decreed who will live and who not, who will be punished and who not. On Rosh Hashanah this is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. However, repentance, prayer and charity avert the harsh decree.
Rabbi Siggy Suchard
Sandton Shul
We understand that to repent is the most integral focus of these days. We also pray that G-d sees our plight and will accept our remorse and pledges not to return to evil ways. The question is why the mitzvah of charity is mentioned, why not Shabbat or tefillin or Kiddush on a Friday night? What is special about giving charity?
Our sages explain that not always are the prayers of an individual accepted immediately. No prayer goes unanswered or was a waste; however when a multitude or a crowd pray, they are answered.
The Talmud explains that whenever a multitude calls out to Hashem, they are answered as it reads, “whenever we call out to Him” (Devarim 4).
A person by himself is sure to be answered between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, according to the verse: “Seek G-d when He is to be found.” (Isaiah 55)
When one gives charity, one bonds with the recipient and each person cares for another. This brings them together and eventually as a cohesive congregation. (Rabbi D Hofstadter)
In a village in Europe the Czar was riding past on horse and wagon. It was raining fiercely, the roads were wet and muddy and the Czar’s horse could not pull the wagon over a hill. They kept skidding to the left and then to the right.
A local farmer arrived with his similar carriage pulled by six ponies. In one attempt they carried the cart over the slippery hill. The Czar was amazed. The farmer explained to him that “your excellency’s horses are strong and pedigreed from different countries, from the best horses of Arabia, Egypt, Syria… When they pull, they do so in different directions.
“My ponies grew up together over the years and when they pull, they pull together in one direction, and therefore are successful.”
In our parsha we find two interesting topics: The mitzvah of bikkurim, the first fruits when each individual farmer thanks Hashem for his particular produce. The second subject is that of the tithes one has to give.
The farmer declares that he has separated the tithes correctly. However, when the farmer asks for a blessing for the land, he asks as a group: “Look down from Your holy habitation from the heavens and bless Your people, Israel, on the land you gave us.” (Devarim 26 15)
As a united people we have unlimited power to plead to Hashem for all we need as a people, and for our personal needs. May we all be blessed with good health and prosperity and to be signed and sealed in the Book of Life.