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Ki-Tavoh (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Ki-Tavoh

Dvar Torah – Judaism’s Day 1 Culture
As Moshe concludes his review of the commandments on the banks of the Jordan, he tells the people: “On this day Hashem your G-d commands you to observe these laws.” The wording is striking—why “on this day”? Wasn’t this already commanded at Sinai?
The classic commentator Rashi explains that the Torah is reminding us to approach it as if every day were “Day 1” —fresh, new, and full of energy.

That’s not easy. But the way we can keep Torah alive is by making it personal. When we learn, reflect, and discover new insights, we’re not just repeating old lessons—we’re expanding them, renewing them, and incorporating them in our own lives today.

At this point when Moshe concludes his own masterclass (see Ramban), he hands us the baton to keep learning, discovering, and letting that continual renewal be the source of ongoing excitement and purpose in Jewish life.

Trivia
Following Shabbat, Ashkenazim will commence the daily selichot prayers - following the Sephardim who have already been going strong for 18 days. Selichot will continue until the eve of Yom Kippur (Oct. 1). Selichot are traditionally recited after midnight or ahead of sunrise, so expect Selichot attendees to be especially groggy.

Shabbat Times
Yerushalayim 18:13/19:24
Tel-Aviv 18:28/19:26
Dubai 18:08/19:00
Paris 19:51/20:55
NYC 18:51/19:49
Chicago 18:44/19:45
Lima 17:46/18:36

Shabbat Shalom!


 

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