Rabbi Asher Vaknin
Parashat Ki Teitzei is one of the richest portions in the Torah, containing more commandments than any other parasha. It guides us across every aspect of life: from personal and family matters to social and national responsibilities. Let us explore five central points, through the lenses of peshat (the simple meaning), remez (hint), derash (homiletical interpretation), and sod (mystical teaching), while weaving in stories and insights that bring the parasha to life.
The Battle Within
The first point is the opening verse: “When you go out to war against your enemies…” On the level of peshat, this refers to Israel’s actual battles and the divine promise of victory. On a deeper level, our sages explain that it hints to the constant spiritual struggle against the yetzer hara, the evil inclination. The key word is “when you go out”—we must step out of our comfort zone and fight. A famous story is told of a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov who lamented his repeated failures. The Rebbe encouraged him: “The fact that you continue to fight each day—that itself is victory. Hashem does not demand angels from us, but warriors who refuse to give up.”
Responsibility for Others
The second point is the commandment: “You shall not see your brother’s ox or sheep going astray and hide yourself from them; you shall surely return them.” On the surface, this is about caring for another’s lost property. But derash reveals a broader lesson: never be indifferent. A person might say, “This isn’t my problem,” but the Torah insists on responsibility for one another. In remez, the ox and sheep symbolize the soul’s powers—sometimes the good inclination and sometimes the evil one—that risk getting “lost.” The Torah commands us: help restore them. A beautiful story is told about the Chafetz Chaim, who noticed a young student losing motivation. Instead of rebuking him, he gently encouraged him each day until he regained his strength. That is the fulfillment of “you shall surely return him.”
Mercy in the Mundane
The third point is the mitzvah of shiluach hakan—sending away the mother bird before taking the young. On the simple level, it is a puzzling mitzvah, yet the Torah promises long life for fulfilling it. On the mystical level, it is a powerful act of cosmic mercy. The mother bird symbolizes the Shechinah, the Divine Presence, while the young represent souls. Sending the mother awakens great compassion Above for Israel in exile. The Zohar teaches that this mitzvah sweetens harsh decrees. The Ari Ha Kadosh once witnessed a disciple perform shiluach hakan and revealed: “At this very moment, severe decrees were annulled in Heaven.” What seems like a simple act actually shakes the upper worlds.
Sanctity of the Home
The fourth point is the prohibition: “You shall not bring an abomination into your house.” On peshat, this refers to idols and forbidden objects. On derash, it speaks of our inner home—the heart. Do not allow negative, impure thoughts to dwell there. In remez, the physical home of a Jew is a mikdash me’at, a miniature sanctuary, shaped by what we bring into it. A story is told of a Rebbe in Poland who came to light the Hanukkah menorah but noticed an improper picture on the wall of a disciple’s home. He refused to begin until it was removed, explaining: “A Jewish home must remain a vessel for holiness.” What we allow in our homes shapes the spiritual atmosphere of our families.
Erasing Doubt
The fifth point is the mitzvah of erasing Amalek: “You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under the heavens.” On the surface, Amalek was Israel’s eternal enemy. On a deeper level, Amalek symbolizes doubt and cynicism. The word “Amalek” has the same numerical value as safek—doubt. Whenever we let doubt chill our faith and weaken our passion, Amalek has influence. According to Kabbalah, the struggle against Amalek continues until redemption. The Alter Rebbe once explained why he grew visibly emotional when reciting “You shall blot out Amalek”: because Amalek’s greatest weapon is to cool a Jew’s fiery enthusiasm for holiness. The war against Amalek is to set our hearts ablaze with love and faith.
Thus, Parashat Ki Teitzei guides us with five profound lessons: to fight courageously against our inner struggles, to care for our fellow Jews, to awaken Divine compassion through hidden mitzvot, to safeguard the sanctity of our homes, and to conquer the Amalek of doubt and coldness within. When seen through peshat, remez, derash, and sod, this parasha becomes not only a set of commandments but a compass for life. Especially in Elul, as we prepare for the Days of Awe, these teachings light the path for growth, repentance, and closeness to Hashem.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Asher Vaknin
BJCC Rabbi of the Bukharian Youth
I approve this message