My Weekly Drash - Ki Tavo

Although the Torah is a source for a good deal of our liturgy, only
rarely does it spell out actual prayers or invocations. One such
instance occurs at the start of this week's Parshah Ki Tavo. In
describing the bringing of first fruits to the Temple, it provides
us with precisely what the person bringing them is to say.
According to the Mishnah, this was to be recited in Hebrew. Those
who could do it from memory did so, while those who could not were
prompted. You can guess what happened. The men unable to do it
stopped bringing the first fruits, perhaps ashamed that they were
unable to do the required recitation themselves. The solution? The
ceremony was revamped so that everyone would repeat the required
passage after a priestly leader. We should all learn what we can
and we should not expect our services to be "dumbed down" if we fail
to do so. Yet here is precedent for accommodating those less able
to participate on their own, just as our siddurim often include a
transliterated Mourner's Kaddish. So by all means learn, but know
you'll be welcome regardless of where ever you might be at present.



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