Reply To: Short & Sweet

When a person brings their Bikkurim to the Beis HaMildosh, there is an intriguing process to be followed. The owner first places his hand on his basket of fruits, then the Kohen puts the Kohen’s hand under the owners hand, and they lift the basket together. Only then does the owner begin reciting the inspiring passages of Bikkurim.

R’ Aaron Lopiansky points out a message that we can take from this. When a person is in the presence of the Kohen in the Beis HaMikdosh, they mustn’t view themselves as just a visitor. They must come with the intention of both accepting the inspiration and teachings of the Kohen, and of being uplifted and changed by their experience. Only someone looking change for the better will succeed in doing so.

In the next few weeks, we will all go through experiences that have the ability to change us. But these Yomim Tovim can only change us if we want to be changed, if we want to be better.