YIP Parsha Project Parshat Ki Tavo
09/11/2014 02:45:29 PM
YIP Parsha Project |
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Ki Tavo Gayle Neumann
Parsha Summary: It is in this Parsha that Moshe continues his parting words to Bnei Yisrael. He is nearing the end of his life, and preparing Bnei Yisrael to enter the land of Israel. The mitzvah of bikurim is given. The first fruits of the harvest are brought to Yerushalyim during the period between Shavuot and Sukkot. They are given as a gift to a Kohen. Moshe and the Zekenim (wise men) are also instructed to inscribe the mitzvot on slabs of rock and place them on Mount Eival. These slabs were intended to remind Bnei Yisrael of their commitment to the Torah. Moshe informs Bnei Yisrael of the curses they will receive if they do not follow the mitzvot. It is in the third Aliyah that Moshe urges Bnei Yisrael to observe the mitzvot "with all their heart and with all their soul." Rashi illuminates for us the importance of thinking of Torah as fresh and exciting, as if it had been given today. We should stop and take this in: it is so poignant: Moshe's life is drawing to an end. He is not saying "Remember Me"! He is saying to Bnei Yisrael that although he will not be there to lead them, Hashem will always be there. The Torah is Hashem's gift, or his love letters if you will - to his treasured people. Shabbat Shalom. |
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