Ki Savo: Hashem’s Delight in Small Deeds- the Mitzvah of Bikurim
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
Parshas Ki Savo begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim—the bringing of the first fruits. When a Jewish person in Eretz Yisrael entered their field and saw the fruits from the seven species growing for the first time, they tied a string around them and later brought these fruits to the Beis Hamikdash. There, they would place the fruits before Hashem, recite a special prayer, and present the offering to the Kohen.
The Mishna describes the immense fanfare that surrounded this mitzvah. Groups of farmers would travel together, with oxen leading the way, their horns gilded in gold, and baskets of fruits adorned with doves. As they approached Yerushalayim, its inhabitants would come out to greet them, singing and celebrating the arrival of these first fruits. But what deeper message lies behind this grand celebration? Why was the mitzvah of Bikkurim, out of all the mitzvot related to produce, performed with such great joy and public recognition?
Moreover, when presenting the fruits, the farmer would recount the entire history of the Jewish people, beginning with our forefather Yaakov's struggles with Lavan, their descent into Egypt, and eventual redemption, until finally arriving in Eretz Yisrael to bring these first fruits. Why is this mitzvah of Bikkurim linked to such a dramatic retelling of history, both in action and in words?
The Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a profound explanation. The mitzvah of Bikkurim is not only a way for the Jewish person to acknowledge and thank Hashem for the produce, but also a reflection of how Hashem acknowledges the Jewish people. Just as the first fruits are cherished, the Jewish people are called "Bikkurim"—Hashem’s first fruit. We are at the core of creation, and Hashem cherishes every act we do, no matter how small. The grand processions, the public celebrations, and the long recounting of history emphasize how much Hashem values even the smallest of deeds.
While it might seem that the farmer is merely bringing a small basket of fruit, the Torah teaches us that Hashem sees this as part of a much larger narrative—one that stretches back through all of Jewish history. This is why we recount the long history of the Jewish people. Just as Hashem cherished our ancestors when He saved us from Lavan and redeemed us from Egypt, He cherishes even our smallest actions today. In a way, all of history has led to this moment, where an ordinary Jew brings their offering. The grandeur of the procession reflects how even a small act can have far-reaching significance.
We see this principle in many areas of life. Just as a small change in a person’s DNA can lead to significant effects, so too can a seemingly small mitzvah have a tremendous impact on the world. When we engage with the essence of Hashem's creation, even the smallest actions can ripple through history.
A touching story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe beautifully illustrates this idea. During one of the crises in Eretz Yisrael, the Rebbe initiated numerous mitzvah campaigns, such as encouraging people to don tefillin, to combat spiritual threats through positive action. Additionally, Israeli military and government officials sought his guidance, turning to him for both spiritual and practical advice on how to protect Eretz Yisrael. During all this, a young boy—deeply inspired—wrote to the Rebbe, sharing how he wanted to take upon himself the resolution to say the morning blessings, Birchos HaShachar, from a siddur every morning for the merit of Eretz Yisrael. The Rebbe responded to this child, saying, “Your good resolution is like cold water on a thirsty soul.” Despite dealing with national and global matters, the Rebbe cherished this boy’s small commitment to enhance his Judaism just as much as the massive Tefillin campaigns.
The more we internalize this lesson, the more we can appreciate that no act of goodness is ever too small. Every mitzvah we do has the potential to shape not just our lives, but all of history. Whether it’s bringing the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash or reciting a simple blessing from the Siddur, each of our actions brings the world closer to its ultimate purpose.
Adapted from Life Talks on the Parsha