Ki Savo
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in this week's parsha the mitzvah of Vidui Ma'aser. This section includes a statement made on Erev Pesach of the fourth year that all the Ma'asrot from the last three years have been given. The giver states that he has performed the mitzvoth properly and he adds (Chapter 26, Pasuk 13), V'Lo Shachachti, And I have not forgotten. Rashi on the pasuk states that this is a reference to the bracha. When separating the various tithes one must make a bracha and he adds that he didn't forget and remembered to make a bracha.
The words of Rashi actually appear in the Mishnah in Ma'aser Sheini (Chapter 5, Mishnah 11). The Mishnah says, Lo Shachachti Me'Levareichecha U'Me'Lehazkir Shimcha Alav. The Rav in his commentary states that this is a reference to the birchas hamitzvah as Rashi states. The Tiferes Yisrael in his commentary agrees as well. And Rashi on the Gemara in Brachos 40B says explicitly that the bracha referred to is the birchas hamitzvah.
However, the Maharal in his commentary on Rashi in our parsha, disagress with this p'shat. He holds that there is a fundamental problem with this understanding. Making brachos before performing a mitzvah was instituted by the Rabbis. How could it be then, that there is a reference to a bracha in the words of our parsha in the Torah?
He explains that what Rashi means to say is not that I didn't forget to say the birchas hamitzvah before separating the tithes. Rather, the giver is stating that I didn't forget to praise Gd when I performed the mitzvah. Though I am giving away part of my produce to others, I am doing it with love and praise to Hashem for the opportunity to do the mitzvah.
The other commentators who learn that the Mishnah and Rashi are referring to the actual birchas hamitzvah certainly agree that the bracha on a mitzvah is from the Rabbis and not from the Torah. Nonetheless, this pasuk is an Asmachta; though the source is from the Rabbis, they saw a reference or a hint in the pasuk for the idea of making a bracha on the mitzvah.
Either way, how do the words V'Lo Shachachti refer to the notion of making a bracha before performing a mitzvah?
The Sfas Emes explains in the following manner. One must perform mitzvoth with enthusiasm and joy. And only if he maintains a love and excitement towards doing the mitzvoth will he be certain of fulfilling the mitzvah. This is the notion of a bracha. It indicates the anticipation and preparation involved in doing a mitzvah. For anything of value and importance involves preparation beforehand. If an important guest is coming to our house, we prepare beforehand. We clean the house, we prepare a meal, etc.
This is the notion of making a bracha beforehand. It expresses our love and enthusiasm for the act. We don't jump right into the mitzvah; rather we stop first and say words of thanks to Hashem for having the opportunity to do the mitzvah and only afterwards, we do the mitzvah.
This is only done before the mitzvah. But there is no bracha to be made after the mitzvah. This is because the desire and interest in the mitzvah lingers with us long after performing the mitzvah. We clearly remember a meaningful Pesach seder, a Shabbos meal, or a special learning experience we had. When we start with excitement, we don't forget so easily.
This is the meaning of V'Lo Shachachti, and Rashi explains I didn't forget to make a bracha. When one makes a bracha it establishes his excitement and anticipation in doing the mitzvah. And when one begins in such a manner, the enthusiasm lingers on and is not quickly forgotten.
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