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KI  TAVO

5 Sep 2009

Deut 26:1-29:8

Isaiah 60:1-22

Acts 7:30-36

This portion is the conclusion of the code given through Moses.

26:1-11: First Fruits and the acknowledgement of divine providence

26:12-15: Triennial distribution of tithes and prayer

There were three tithes:

1.  Tithes given for care of the Levites Num 18:21-32

2.  Tithes taken by an land owner to Jerusalem, where he and his family members eat JOYFULLY or redeem for money (Deut 14:22-26).  Also, they share with the poor and dependent classes, such as widows, orphans.  This tithe was later known by the name, “the tithe of the poor”

3.  Tithes were also known as, “the year of removal,” where all tithes were to be removed out of his possessions with solemn declarations and prayer for divine blessing for Israel.

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

Chapters 27-30 Moses’ third discourse:

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 L-rd 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.

27:9-10: Obedient to His Covenant, or fulfilling obligations to G-d and His commandments.  Be obedient to G-d.

27:11-14 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 Gerizim).  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.

27:15-26 Declaration of Curses (Dooms)

28:1-4 Declaration of Blessings

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

29:1-8 A review of Israel’s journey into freedom from Egypt and how G-d protected them, provided for their needs and clothing.

BE CAREFUL TO OBSERVE ALL OF G-D’S COMMANDMENTS/COVENANTS

Shavua Tov

Rabbi  Z.

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