by Zvi Akiva Fleisher
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OROH V'SIMCHOH - MESHECH CHOCHMOH ON PARSHAS BREISHIS 5765 BS"DCh. 1, v. 31: "V'hi'nei tov M'ODE" - We find the expression TOV throughout the days of creation. However, on the third day we find it expressed twice (1:10 and 1:12). As well, we find it twice on the sixth day (1:25 and our verse), plus the addition of the word M'ODE, found only here on the sixth day. In Vayikroh 25:3,4 the verses say regarding the shmitoh year, "Sheish shonim tizra .. , u'vashonoh hashviis Shabbas Shabbosone." Rashi on 25:2 brings the Toras Kohanim 25:7 which says that the seventh year is for Hashem, similar to the weekly Shabbos, where it also says Shabbos Shabbosone (Shmos 31:15, 35:2). It seems that the seven years of the shmitoh cycle correspond to the seven days of the week. As mentioned above, we find that the words "ki tov" are mentioned twice on the third day of creation. As well, on the sixth day "ki tov" is mentioned once and the expression "v'hinei tov m'ode" is also found. The Meshech Chochmoh says that during the seven-year cycle we find that "maaser oni," tithing that is given to the poor, is given on the third and the sixth years. Giving "maa'seir oni" is an act of "tov," kindness, corresponding to the word "tov" written twice on both the third and sixth days of creation. Perhaps the doubling of "tov" indicates giving "maa'seir" twice, once to the Levi, known as "maa'seir rishon," and once to the poor man. On the first, second, fourth, and fifth years there is also "maa'seir sheini," but it may be consumed by the owner himself, thus this "maa'seir" does not embody "tov." Perhaps another point can be added. On the sixth day we find the expression, "tov M'ODE," - exceedingly good. This might be in place since giving a tenth of one's produce on the sixth year is an exceedingly great act of kindness. Since the donour will not plant on the seventh year, he has a greater inclination to save as much as possible from the sixth year to sustain himself later. Alternatively, since there is a blessing that the sixth year will give forth produce to sustain us for three years, the tithing of the produce of the sixth year is triple the normal yearly amount, hence "tov m'ode." FEEDBACK AND SUBMISSIONS ARE APPRECIATED. SHOLOM613@AOL.COM See also Sedrah Selections and Chasidic Insights |
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