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Why does the Torah (תורה) use the extra word 'vehaya' before commanding Bikkurim, and how does that relate to happiness? The shiur develops that 'vehaya' indicates a future guaranteed by the past—our pre-existing commitment to gratitude. This commitment to expressing appreciation is what allows us to truly enjoy our blessings, making happiness possible; without it, we remain in denial of how much we have.
This shiur explores Parshas Ki Savo's mitzvah (מצוה) of Bikkurim (first fruits) and uncovers profound insights into gratitude, happiness, and the Jewish relationship with the Land of Israel. Rabbi Zweig opens by noting textual anomalies: the seemingly unnecessary word 'vehaya' before 'ki savo' (when you come into the land), and the Sifre's puzzling statement that 'in the merit of Bikkurim you will inherit the land'—even though Bikkurim can only be brought after fourteen years of settlement (seven years of conquest plus seven of settlement). The shiur's central thesis emerges from analyzing the Hebrew word 'vehaya.' In Hebrew grammar, the letter vav transposes tenses—future becomes past ('yehi' to 'vayehi') and past becomes future ('hayah' to 'vehaya'). This teaches that there are two types of futures: uncharted, unpredictable futures, and futures that are guaranteed products of one's past—built on education, character, and commitments. When the Torah (תורה) says 'vehaya ki savo,' it's not merely 'when you come' but 'it will certainly be that you come,' indicating a guaranteed future based on a solid past. The question then becomes: what past commitment guarantees this future?
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Parshas Ki Savo, Devarim 26:1-11
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