Thinking Torah Blog

This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, opens with the ritual of bringing the first fruits, bikkurim. Each Israelite was asked to place their harvest before God and say, “My ancestor was a wandering Aramean…” Rather than a private prayer of thanks, Torah gives us a public ritual of remembrance, a moment to recall our sacred narrative and the redemption that brought us to this day. 

Our sages teach that this declaration is about more than gratitude. Sforno notes that the words link every individual to the story of the whole people. Ramban observes that the Torah itself was written “ba’er heitev,” clearly and openly, so that no one could claim ignorance of its teaching. Our ancestors would intentionally bring part of their first fruits for the needy and destitute. Together, these insights show us a vision of a society bound by transparency, shared story, and care for the vulnerable.

At a time when our public life feels frayed and when anger and even violence have become too common, Ki Tavo calls us back to gratitude, responsibility, and belonging. We’re reminded to bring our “first fruits,” our best selves, into the public square and to act in ways that strengthen our collective story rather than tear it apart.

May this week’s Torah reading help us choose blessing, speak gently, and find the courage to build a community rooted in justice and hope.