Ki Tavo

The parsha of Ki Tavo opens with two commandments: mikra bikurim - the commandment to express a specific statement upon bringing the bikurim to the Beis HaMikdash, and vidui maaser - the commandment to make certain statements upon the completion of separating the special maaser after the third and sixth year of the shemittah cycle. The commandments of actually bringing the bikurim and separating maaser were given earlier in the Torah. Why, then, are the commandments regarding the necessary statements not given until now?

The statement necessary when bringing the bikurim is one that connects the one bringing the bikurim to the history of the Jewish people. Upon completing the commandment of vidui maaser, Moshe Rabbeinu tells Bnei Yisrael that we need to obey all the commandments given. He then uses a phrase v'laleches bidrachav. The Ramban explains that this means that we must act kindly with one another - v'tigmalu chesed ish es re'ehu. What is the significance of the bikurim connecting us to our history and what is the connection of vidui ma'aser connecting us to each other?

Parshas Ki Savo is often the parsha read on the Shabbos before we recite selichos. In explaining the essence of the commandment of mikra bikurim - the requirement to make specific statements upon bringing the bikurim to the Beis Ha Mikdash - the Sefer Hachinuch states lefi sheha'adam me'orer machshevosav u'metzayer bilvavo ha'emes b'koach divrei piv. A person awakens and defines the feelings in the depths of his heart through the power of his speech. We firmly establish our appreciation for all that Hashem has done for us by articulating those feelings in words. Therefore, we are commanded to articulate the statement of our history, in appreciation of all that Hashem has done for us and our ancestors throughout history enabling us to reach this goal.

Perhaps the statement regarding vidui ma'aser is done for similar reasons. We articulate our adherance to the nuances of the commandments and communicate our desire for Divine blessings. These two commandments are both given so that we can articulate the true feelings in our hearts.

Although the commandments to perform the actual mitzva of bikurim and the mitzva of maasers are given earlier, the commandments regarding the statements specifically wait for the time of year when articulating the feelings in the depths of our hearts is of utmost importance. As we get closer to the High Holidays we enhance our prayers with selichos. Selichos are a method of pouring out our hearts before Hashem as we prepare for the Yom Hadin. Understanding the need to properly articulate these feelings (even if it's through the wordless method of tekias shofar) is essential at this time of year. Therefore, these mitzvos, which emphasize this trait, are given in Ki Savo, as we prepare for selichos.

Similarly, the Torah informs us of the right mindset to have as we enter selichos through these commandments. We are implored to remember where we came from and what we are part of. We must remember our history and become part of Knesses Yisrael. Associating with Knesses Yisrael does not merely mean to do so in the context of the present. It also means associating with the timelessness of the Jewish people, associating with its rich history, its trials and tribulations throughout history, and taking responsibility and pride in its optimistic, redemptive future. Mikra Bikurim prepares us for this association.

Additionally, we are implored to connect with our present Knesses Yisrael situation as well. Concern for one another is an essential element for forgiveness and success. The commandment of vidui ma'aser is immediately followed by the charge from Moshe Rabbeinu to do kindeness ish es re'ehu, one with another. Concern for our fellow is a prerequisite for all our upcoming requests.

Therefore, these two commandments were 'saved' for parshas Ki Savo, so that two essential elements assuring success in our prayers at this time of year - beginning with selichos - are articulated and established in our hearts and minds, assuring that we will be granted a Shanah tovah u'metukah, u'mevurechet.