KI TAVO

Deut 26:1-29:8

Isaiah 60:1-22

Acts 7:30-36

At Mt. Sinai, the Children of Israel made a marriage covenant with G-d. He gave them rules to live by and they agreed to love and obey Him. He made promises to them and they made promises to Him. In this portion, the “vows” are repeated.

(Deut 26:16-19) The formulation of the covenant between G-d and Israel is revealed here. Israel pledges to be obedient to G-d and His precepts (Torah) JOYFULLY, and He will declare Himself to be their G-d.

In chapters 27-30, Moses discusses the enforcement of the Law. The procedure is discussed for the crossing of the Jordan. They were to declare blessings and curses in elaborate ceremonies at Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerzen. Stones were erected with inscription of the L-rd declaring that their possession of the land is based upon their covenant with G-d. One of the first duties was building an altar, or place of worship. According to Rabbis, places of worship and study are to be the first care of the community. Teaching the families and children, and showing unity before G-d are the first priority.

Being obedient to G-d is central to this Parasha. The declarations of curses and blessings begin in 27:11. Solemn blessings and doom: This was declared in an elaborate ceremony in which the Levites stood with the ark in the valley, and the Israelites stood on both mountains (Ebal and Gerzen). Those on one side yelled out the blessings of G-d, the other side yelled out the curses. This procedure was repeated over and over until all the blessings and curses of the L-rd were repeated.

Chapter 28:15-68 sets forth warnings for disobedience to the Divine Covenant which if followed would bring hope, encouragement, joy unspeakable. But failure to follow His covenant would bring disaster, death and destruction

This portion closes in Chapter 29:1-8 with a review of Israel’s journey into freedom from Egypt and how G-d protected them, provided for their needs and clothing.

Our lesson here seems to be to be careful to observe ALL of G-d’s commandments and covenants.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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